Vessels built today need to be ready to meet the decarbonisation targets set for 2050, but there is no clear winner from the array of potential future fuels available. We took this challenge head on, developing a highly efficient, reliable and future-proof engine that meets today’s highest industry standards – and is ready to adapt to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Meet the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF.
The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF is our next-generation medium-speed engine, with built-in upgradability and diesel–LNG/bioLNG dual-fuel flexibility to give vessel owners the chance to choose the path to decarbonisation that’s right for them. It is the next step in the development of our trusted Wärtsilä 46F, a veteran of our large-bore portfolio which is widely used across segments such as cruise ships, ferries and merchant vessels.
The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and emissions performance, with state-of-the-art two-stage turbocharging to deliver unprecedented levels of efficiency and power density across a wide operational range. It produces 1300 kW per cylinder, with no increase in size from its predecessor – setting a new power-density benchmark in terms of weight and volume ratios for a large-bore medium-speed engine. The engine is available in six to 16-cylinder configurations, corresponding to a power output range of 7.8 to 20.8 MW at 600 rpm. Its compact size also enables unmatched flexibility in engine room layout and vessel design.
The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and emissions performance, with state-of-the-art two-stage turbocharging to deliver unprecedented levels of efficiency and power density across a wide operational range.
At 52% efficiency, the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF boasts a new fuel-economy record for medium-speed engines. More importantly, it is also substantially more efficient across the whole operating range, from low to high loads, compared to any other engine in its class. And of course, improved fuel economy also lowers emissions, OPEX and total cost of ownership. The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF offers the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment as well as a methane slip that is 20% below the market benchmark. We are also testing a new technology that will reduce methane slip by a further 50% and will be easily retrofittable to the engine. In terms of NOx emissions, the engine is IMO Tier III compliant in gas mode without any after treatment, as well as in diesel mode with selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF features a modular design that enables engine customisation and simplifies maintenance, with easy servicing keeping running costs low. This modularity also allows us to prepare for the most important challenge facing shipping today: decarbonisation and the adoption of net zero carbon fuels.
For most vessels today, the level of decarbonisation needed to meet long-term regulatory targets will only be possible by using green fuels. While a full industry transition to green fuels is likely to take decades, 2050 is a single vessel lifespan away – meaning investments and the right technical solutions are needed now. At Wärtsilä we recognise that owners are faced with an array of fuel options and potential pathways to decarbonise their vessels, so we are committed to offering fuel-agnostic technologies that will deliver outstanding performance whichever fuel they choose.
Alternative fuels are the future of our industry and the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF is compatible with synthetic methane and LNG/bioLNG, offering immediate emissions reductions.
Wärtsilä’s proven dual-fuel technology enables vessels to operate on both natural gas and liquid fuel and to switch between the two according to cost, availability and local environmental regulations. Switching causes no loss of power or speed; the engine adapts automatically to deliver outstanding performance in all operating conditions and at any load. Alternative fuels are the future of our industry and the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF is compatible with synthetic methane and LNG/bioLNG, offering immediate emissions reductions. Tailored upgrades will also be available for methanol, ammonia and even hydrogen, offering full fuel flexibility. Our modular approach means Wärtsilä W46TS-DF engines installed today will be upgradable to use other net-zero fuels in the future – which is essential if the maritime industry is to achieve its long-term decarbonisation goals.
To meet the demands of tomorrow, the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF was designed to be future-proof from the outset. It takes power density, efficiency, reliability and performance to new heights, with cutting-edge control technologies and two-stage turbo charging for low-emission power across the load range.
