Wärtsilä ethane test success

The breakthrough enables engine owners to meet the IMO Tier III regulations without need of secondary emissions cleaning using either LNG or LEG as fuel. The engines can switch between LNG, LEG, liquid fuel oil and heavy fuel oil with uninterrupted operation.

The ability to burn ethane boil-off gas as engine fuel significantly reduces the need for gas re-liquefaction during the voyage, meaning that less power is needed for the cargo handling.

Steffen Jacobsen, CEO of Evergas said: “We are very pleased that the Wärtsilä engines will be capable of utilising ethane boil-off gas as fuel. It increases our operational efficiency and improves flexibility in the bunkering of fuels. All in all it results in a significant reduction in operating costs, while also providing a minimal environmental footprint. It also enables us to offer our customers increased flexibility, which has a monetary value.”

Lars Anderson, vice president, engine sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power added: “The option to utilise ethane gas as a marine fuel further extends the fuel flexibility of our DF engine portfolio. It also provides yet another option to achieve compliance with the IMO’s stringent Tier III legislation.”