Wärtsilä joins EU hydrogen project

Led by the University of Vaasa, the four-year Horizon Europe initiative brings together 16 partners from seven countries to develop and demonstrate solutions aimed at improving engine efficiency and significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions across the maritime sector.

Wärtsilä’s role will focus on developing a new combustion concept enabling internal combustion engines to operate safely and efficiently on a blend of hydrogen and biomethane, with the long-term goal of achieving up to 100% hydrogen operation in open-sea conditions. The company will also design a catalyst system to reduce methane slip and other emissions, supporting a lower overall lifecycle carbon footprint.

“Several low carbon fuels are being explored within the industry, and hydrogen is considered one potential zero carbon option,” said Henri Karimäki, Research and Development Director at the University of Vaasa.

“By focusing on its practical application and safety in maritime contexts, the H4PERION project aims to advance innovation and set new standards for the industry.”

Key technologies will be demonstrated on board Aurora Botnia, operated by Wasaline between Finland and Sweden. Trials will focus on reducing emissions, particularly methane slip, while validating performance under real operating conditions. Parallel testing will be conducted using a full-scale engine in a controlled laboratory environment to replicate sea conditions and optimise system performance.

“Achieving net zero emissions in shipping is a journey we must take together,” said Anders Öster, general manager, Research Coordination & Funding at Wärtsilä Marine.

“It is only through close cross-industry collaboration and shared determination that we will further accelerate progress towards zero-carbon solutions for maritime.”

The project will run until May 2030, with data from trials feeding into digital twin models to support future vessel design and operational improvements.