Wärtsilä Cuts CO2 by the Same as 17,000 Cars with Fit4Power Solution
Wärtsilä’s Fit4Power Helps Ships Save Fuel and Lower CO2
Since October 2022, Wärtsilä, a technology group, has been helping ships reduce fuel use and lower CO2 emissions with their Fit4Power solution. This new technology has already saved more than 14,000 metric tonnes of fuel and cut over 45,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions across ten ships. This is the same as the yearly emissions from 17,000 cars.
Wärtsilä’s Fit4Power comes at a time when reducing carbon is a big goal for the shipping industry. Ships are looking for ways to meet stricter environmental rules while still being cost-efficient. Many ship owners now want flexible solutions to make sure their ships stay profitable and eco-friendly for years to come.
“Finding the right balance between economic and environmental needs is tough,” said Andreas Wiesmann, a manager at Wärtsilä Marine. “The entire shipping industry is changing as more businesses are trying to make their supply chains greener.”
At the same time, ships have to follow stricter rules like the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI). Ship operators are also dealing with rising fuel costs, political problems around the world, and unpredictable weather, all of which can increase fuel use and emissions.
A World-First Solution for Two-Stroke Engines
Wärtsilä launched Fit4Power to help solve these challenges and keep ships compliant with emissions rules. The Fit4Power solution helps older two-stroke ship engines run more efficiently by making them leaner and healthier. This is done by reducing the size of the engine’s bore by 25%. This change helps the engine run at its best, using less fuel and burning it more efficiently. As a result, the ship produces fewer greenhouse gases.
For ship owners, this means their existing fleets can meet the latest environmental standards and be ready for future rules. Without upgrades like Fit4Power, 80% of the world’s merchant fleet could fall into the lowest CII rating by 2030. This would force them to take corrective actions or risk losing business to more efficient ships.
Wärtsilä’s Fit4Power also helps prepare ships to use alternative fuels in the future, another step toward lowering emissions.
The Benefits for Each Ship
For each ship that uses Fit4Power, the potential fuel savings could be up to 2,000 tonnes per year, depending on how the ship operates. This would also reduce CO2 emissions by up to 6,400 tonnes per year. In terms of money, a ship owner could save as much as 2.18 million euros each year in operating costs.
Wiesmann added, “Fit4Power is an important part of Wärtsilä’s plan to help make shipping greener. It’s the first solution of its kind and shows our ability to give marine engines a longer life. By improving engine efficiency, we are helping ships reduce emissions in a cost-effective way.”
Currently, over 30 ships are scheduled to be retrofitted with Fit4Power. Of these, ten ships have already been upgraded and have been using the technology for up to 20 months.
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä is a global leader in creating technologies and solutions that support the marine and energy markets. The company focuses on innovation in sustainable technology to help customers improve both their environmental and economic performance. With a team of 17,800 experts across 79 countries, Wärtsilä is leading the charge towards decarbonizing industries worldwide. In 2023, Wärtsilä reported net sales of EUR 6 billion. The company is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Wärtsilä Marine
Wärtsilä Marine specializes in power, propulsion, and lifecycle solutions for the maritime market. They are developing new technologies to help the industry switch to cleaner fuels. Wärtsilä Marine’s goal is to create a digital ecosystem where all ships and ports are connected. Their wide range of engines, hybrid technology, exhaust treatment systems, and digital solutions helps improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance of ships, guiding the industry toward a sustainable future.
