Wärtsilä has enhanced its methane slip reduction technology by introducing the NextDF feature for its Wärtsilä 46TS-DF dual-fuel engine. This advanced engine significantly reduces methane emissions when operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), achieving emissions as low as 1.1 percent across various load points, well below the standard limit of 3.1 percent as outlined in the FuelEU Maritime and IMO Lifecycle Guidelines.
This achievement is made possible through improved combustion control and optimized engine performance, which also help minimize nitrogen oxide (NOx) and CO2 emissions. Natural gas plays a crucial role in the marine industry’s transition toward lower carbon footprints.
While LNG is viewed as a cleaner alternative, the potential for methane to escape during combustion poses environmental challenges. The shipping sector is prioritizing LNG usage and methane reduction as effective methods to decrease greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade, supporting ongoing efforts to lower CO2 emissions.
Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine, stated that NextDF technology reduces the environmental impact of LNG-fueled vessels while maintaining performance and stability. This innovation aligns with the increasing regulatory demands for decarbonization in the maritime industry.
The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF, launched in 2022, features two-stage turbocharging for enhanced efficiency and power across diverse operational ranges, making it an ideal choice for various vessel types. It is designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption while being compatible with sustainable fuel options as they emerge.
The engine’s NextDF capability positions it as a leader in methane and greenhouse gas emission reductions in the 1MW+/cylinder power range. The first Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine with NextDF will be installed on the MSC World Asia cruise ship, under construction in France for MSC Cruises.
This technology is part of Wärtsilä’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of marine operators, ensuring a sustainable and flexible solution for the future.