Wärtsilä to future-proof container vessels with CCS-Ready scrubber technology

Wärtsilä to Install Future-Ready Scrubbers on Three Ships for Cleaner Oceans

Wärtsilä, a global leader in sustainable marine technology, will install its latest carbon-capture ready scrubber systems on three container ships owned by the German company, Leonhardt & Blumberg. These scrubbers, known as CCS-Ready systems, are designed to control harmful sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions while preparing ships for the future adoption of full carbon-capture systems. This installation is one of the first retrofits in the shipping industry that is set up for carbon-capture technology, making it an important step toward reducing emissions.

How Wärtsilä’s Scrubbers Work

Wärtsilä’s CCS-Ready scrubbers clean the exhaust from ships, removing sulfur and other harmful gases before they can be released into the air. The system works by scrubbing the ship’s exhaust to remove SOx emissions, which helps keep the air cleaner. In the future, this same system can be upgraded to capture carbon emissions as well, helping the shipping industry meet its environmental goals.

With these scrubbers, ships can also use cheaper, more widely available fuel, known as heavy fuel oil (HFO), which saves money while also lowering carbon emissions. This makes the CCS-Ready scrubber a smart choice both for the environment and for reducing operational costs.

A Step Toward a Cleaner Future

Tim Goettsche, the Fleet Manager at Leonhardt & Blumberg, emphasized that their company is committed to operating its ships as sustainably as possible. “This project with Wärtsilä’s advanced scrubbers is a big step forward in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It also prepares our ships to meet future regulations,” said Goettsche.

Wärtsilä has been working on this technology for over two and a half years, testing it to make sure it works well for ships. Sigurd Jenssen, the Director of Exhaust Treatment at Wärtsilä Marine, said, “This project shows our dedication to providing solutions that help reduce the environmental impact of shipping. Our CCS-Ready scrubber is the result of our deep experience in the marine industry.”

Scrubbers That Are Ready for the Future

What makes these scrubbers special is that they are “CCS-Ready.” This means that when carbon-capture technology becomes more common, the ships will be able to easily add this system without major changes. Wärtsilä will make sure that the scrubber system is designed in a way that allows for future upgrades.

Once fully upgraded, the system will be able to capture and store carbon from the ship’s exhaust. The carbon can then be safely removed when the ship arrives at port. This process will further reduce the ship’s impact on the environment.

Quick Installation for Global Compliance

The scrubbers will be installed on three 3600 TEU container ships. These ships will be able to meet environmental regulations no matter where they sail in the world. The installation work will be done by Greentec Marine Engineering, a company that specializes in high-tech marine and offshore services. The scrubbers are set to be delivered and installed starting in September of this year.

About Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global company that focuses on creating technologies that help the marine and energy industries become more sustainable. With over 17,800 employees in 79 countries, Wärtsilä is leading the way in developing technologies that help reduce carbon emissions. In 2023, the company reported net sales of EUR 6.0 billion and continues to innovate in sustainable solutions for the future.

About Wärtsilä Marine

Wärtsilä Marine is a pioneer in marine technology, offering a wide range of products including engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, and exhaust treatment systems. Their solutions help make the shipping industry more efficient and environmentally friendly. Wärtsilä is committed to driving the shipping industry toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.