Wärtsilä lifts output of 31 engine

Wärtsilä has increased the power output of its highly efficient Wärtsilä 31 diesel engine to deliver increased power density within the same physical footprint. This upgraded engine will increase its power per cylinder to 650 kW, an increase of 6% in power per cylinder.

The Wärtsilä 31 will have the highest power per cylinder of any engine of its bore size. The upgrade will extend the output range of the 31 to a range of 5.2 to 10.4 MW. The increase in power, compared with the current 31-series engines, means the same power demand can be met with fewer cylinders. This will give significantly lower maintenance costs and will offer space advantages where engine room space is at a premium.  

The 31 engine is said to have become increasingly popular for installation on a range of vessel types, including among others, cruise ships, ferries, cable layers, ice breakers and fishing vessels.

“With this power upgrade we are delivering significant added value to our customers,” explained Lars Anderson, Director of Product Management at Wärtsilä. “The Wärtsilä 31 is already the best engine in its class, and this development widens its market advantage even further. By extending its performance, we are making a real contribution to greater sustainability and supporting our commitment to a decarbonised future.”

The first deliveries of the upgraded engine are taking place during the first half of 2023. Already, seven higher power output Wärtsilä 31 engines have been contracted.

Ronald Ervik, Managing Director of Herøyhav, a Norwegian fishing company and one of the first recipients of the upgraded engine said: “For our new vessel we opted for the Wärtsilä 31 engine because it is the most modern and most efficient medium-speed marine diesel engine on the market. Not only will it give us the power we need and with dimensions that fit our engine room design, but it will also lower fuel consumption.”