Technology group Wärtsilä has introduced its NextDF technology for a third engine, the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF dual-fuel engine. While operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine with NextDF feature reduces methane emissions to less than 1.4 percent of fuel use across all load points, achieving as low as 1.1 percent in a wide load range. This is nearly three times lower than the default methane slip factor of 3.1 percent, specified in the FuelEU Maritime and IMO Lifecycle Guidelines for Otto-cycle four-stroke dual-fuel engines. Through improvements made to the combustion control, and through optimising engine performance, the new feature also minimises nitrogen oxide (NOx) and CO2 emissions. emissions.
LNG is an important transition fuel as the marine industry strives to reduce its carbon footprint. However, the main component of LNG is methane and when burned as a fuel, a small amount may not combust properly, leading to methane escaping into the atmosphere. Across the shipping industry, the use of LNG and cutting methane emissions is one of the most effective ways to decrease overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from engines over the next decade, complementing other efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.
“NextDF technology reduces the environmental impact of vessels that use LNG as fuel, without compromising on performance or operational stability. Importantly, this makes it easier for ship owners to comply with increasingly stringent decarbonisation targets and legislation,” comments Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine.
Launched in 2022, the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine has a two-stage turbocharging to deliver high levels of efficiency and power density across a wide operational range for vessels in all segments of the industry. This level of efficiency reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions, while being easily retrofittable for sustainable fuels as they become widely available. By applying the NextDF feature, the engine will have the lowest methane emissions and GHG emissions in the 1MW+/cylinder power range.
The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF with NextDF feature was developed as part of the EU co-funded GREEN RAY project*. The initial installation of the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine with NextDF feature will be onboard the cruise ship, MSC World Asia, being built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) in Saint-Nazaire, France for the Geneva-based cruise operator MSC Cruises.
Nysjö continues: “Owners and operators increasingly need engines with higher efficiency, lower emissions, increased fuel flexibility and lower operating costs. The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine already meets these needs, representing a flexible, future-proof solution that can be upgraded in response to sustainable fuel availability. By making our NextDF technology available for the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine we enable operators to go even further in lowering GHG emissions and harmful local pollutants.”
The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine is the third Wärtsilä dual-fuel engine to be made available with NextDF technology. In 2023 and 2024, Wärtsilä introduced the new technology for its Wärtsilä 31DF and Wärtsilä 25DF engines.
*Acknowledgement of external funding:
This project is co-funded by the European Union.
Media contact for more information on this release:
Isabella Alder
Positioning and Strategic Communications Manager Wärtsilä Marine
Tel: +44 (0) 7792 681 757
marine.media@wartsila.com
Image caption: Wärtsilä expands methane slip reduction capabilities by introducing NextDF technology for third engine - the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF © Wärtsilä Corporation
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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.
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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 their environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations in 77 countries is shaping the decarbonisation of our industries across the globe. In 2024, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.4 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
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