Wartsila's innovative four-stroke engine solution for ammonia fuel is setting new benchmarks in efficiency and performance. Since its launch in the industrial marine sector in November 2023, this ammonia solution has undergone rigorous testing aimed at optimizing its efficiency parameters.
The latest results, measured against the FuelEU Maritime reference and assessed on both a Well-to-Wake and Tank-to-Wake basis, reveal that using 95% ammonia fuel can achieve up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to similar diesel engines. This marks an impressive 18% improvement in emissions efficiency.
The Wartsila 25 ammonia engine, part of the Wartsila 25 engine platform, was developed from the company's extensive experience with low-power dual-fuel (DF) engines operating on LNG. Recent assessments have confirmed that ammonia is a suitable fuel for the low-pressure Otto cycle, which is the design Wartsila has adopted for its ammonia engine solution. The decision to utilize a low-power Otto cycle was based on multiple factors, including safety, efficiency, and the potential for significant greenhouse gas reduction.
Thorough examinations of various engine sizes have demonstrated that the efficiency of this low-pressure Otto cycle approach is comparable to that of dual-fuel LNG engines. Ammonia exhibits exceptional knock resistance and strong combustion characteristics across a wide range of engine settings.
With decarbonization at the forefront of our corporate strategy, we remain committed to advancing our ammonia engine solution. This includes adding enhanced safety features and continuously improving performance. Our dedication to ongoing development ensures that we test and refine both new and existing technologies to drive meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
For our ammonia engine, we chose the low-pressure Otto cycle concept, confident it offers the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and reliability for our customers, as stated by Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wartsila Marine.
The efficiency enhancements made to the Wartsila 25 ammonia engine benefit the entire ammonia solution, which includes an AmmoniaPac gas supply system, the Wartsila Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and the Wartsila NOx Reducer (NOR) for optimal exhaust after-treatment. Safety, efficiency, and reliability are cornerstones of this solution's design, bolstered by an advanced automation system and maintenance agreements to ensure safe and effective onboard operations.
Alongside long-term engine orders, the improved performance will also be integrated into engines already under contract, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. Ammonia is emerging as a promising alternative fuel as the shipping industry seeks more sustainable energy options. With global regulations setting a clear path for the maritime sector to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, ammonia will play a vital role in helping to reduce emissions.
A report from Wartsila underscores the critical part sustainable fuels will play in achieving this goal, as set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The report notes that current decarbonization strategies, such as fuel efficiency improvements, can potentially cut shipping emissions by up to 27%. However, adopting sustainable fuels like ammonia will be essential to eliminate the remaining 73%.
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