• Media
    MEDIA

    at Wärtsilä in Japan

Wärtsilä secures Japan’s first facility for remote support approval for marine engines

Wärtsilä Japan Ltd., Local press release 17 September 2026 at 07:00 UTC+2
  • MOL Sunflower

Technology Group Wärtsilä's Japanese subsidiary, Wärtsilä Japan Ltd., has received the first certification as a Remote Support Facility under the certification scheme established in 2021 by the Maritime Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The certification was granted on September 11, 2026. The certification enables Wärtsilä to provide remote support from Wärtsilä Group experts and digitally enabled maintenance services for the equipment covered by the approval. It also allows maintenance schedules and service intervals to be optimised, helping improve vessel operational efficiency and reduce downtime. The certification applies to the Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel main engines installed on the Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, operated by MOL Sunflower.

For many years, Wärtsilä has been at the forefront of applying digital technologies to vessel operations and maintenance through remote monitoring, operational data analytics and condition-based maintenance solutions. The certification was awarded following verification that Wärtsilä’s remote maintenance support framework, which utilises advanced digital and communication technologies, meets the safety and quality standards established by the Maritime Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Through these advanced maintenance services, Wärtsilä will further strengthen its support for customers in Japan, making a significant contribution to improving operational efficiency and reliability.

This certification delivers several benefits for vessel operators, including:

  • Real-time remote support by expert engineers
  • Reduced travel time associated with dispatching engineers
  • Rationalisation of scheduled maintenance items and intervals
  • Improved operational efficiency through shorter vessel downtime
  • Faster troubleshooting
  • Reduced workload for seafarers on board
  • Standardisation and further improvement of maintenance quality
  • Contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions

Media contact for more information on this release:

Kunio Naito
Manager, Agreement Management Japan
kunio,[email protected]

 

Wärtsilä Marine in brief
Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in power, propulsion and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. We develop industry-leading technologies, advancing maritime's transition to new fuels. We support building an end-to-end digital ecosystem where all vessels and ports are connected. Ultimately, Wärtsilä Marine is driving the shipping industry forward on its journey towards a decarbonised and sustainable future through our broad portfolio of engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, exhaust treatment, shaft line solutions and digital technologies, as well as integrated powertrain systems. Our offering, which is underpinned by our performance-based agreements, upgrades, lifecycle solutions, decarbonisation services, as well as an unrivalled global network of maritime expertise, delivers the efficiency, reliability, safety, and environmental performance needed to support a safe and sustainable future for our customers, our communities and our planet.
www.wartsila.com/marine

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,900 professionals in 199 locations in 78 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2025, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.2 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com