Tackling methane slip on LNG bunkering vessels

The 18,600 m³ capacity vessel, under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China, will incorporate three Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel engines, designed to minimise methane slip to as low as 1.1%, furthering the push for greener maritime operations.

“Our company strategy and commitment is for our vessels to be as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible,” said Jose Maria Torre, fleet director of Ibaizabal Group.

“After evaluating fuel consumption and emission performance with Wärtsilä, we concluded that the Wärtsilä 25DF engine with the NextDF feature would best support us in achieving our sustainability goals.”

Tackling methane

LNG bunkering is a key element in the transition towards cleaner shipping, but concerns over methane emissions persist.

Wärtsilä said its NextDF innovation addresses this challenge, not only lowering methane slip but also improving engine efficiency by up to 0.5 percentage points.

Beyond the engines, the vessel will also be fitted with Wärtsilä Steerable Thrusters (WST) to maximise propulsion efficiency and dynamic positioning.

“The incorporation of our NextDF feature into the Wärtsilä 25DF engine provides enhanced fuel economy together with a significant cut in emissions,” said Stefan Nysjö, vice president of power supply, Wärtsilä Marine.

”We share Ibaizabal’s commitment to decarbonising shipping operations and applaud them for being the first operator to take advantage of this new groundbreaking technology for the Wärtsilä 25DF engine.”

Ibaizabal’s new LNG bunkering vessel is scheduled for delivery by late 2026.

The Motorship previously interviewed Wärtsilä’s Juha Kytölä about reducing methane slip.