Wärtsilä and Chevron Shipping partner to lower methane emissions on LNG Carriers

Wärtsilä, a technology group, is working with Chevron Shipping Company to make a big change in how some of Chevron’s ships operate. They plan to convert one engine on six of Chevron’s LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers from dual-fuel to spark gas operation. This new way of running the engines is designed to help lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to reduce methane slip, which is an important part of Chevron’s efforts to make their operations more environmentally friendly.

What is a Methane Slip?

When LNG is burned as fuel, it can produce a small amount of methane that escapes into the air instead of being fully burned. This escaping methane is called “methane slip.” Although methane doesn’t stay in the atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide (CO₂), it is much more powerful at trapping heat—about 25 to 30 times more over 100 years. Reducing methane emissions is key to lowering the carbon footprint of industries.

How the Conversion Works

Wärtsilä’s project will change the engines on these ships to operate on spark gas instead of using diesel pilot fuel to start the combustion process. This method allows for a better burning process, which can reduce methane slip and make the engines work more efficiently.

Barbara Pickering, the President of Chevron Shipping, said, “Chevron Shipping aims to reduce methane emissions in our LNG fleet to support a lower carbon future.” She expressed excitement about working with Wärtsilä on this innovative project, highlighting the steps they are taking to make marine transportation cleaner.

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Wärtsilä’s Expertise in Reducing Emissions

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine, mentioned that this project is an important advancement towards creating lower carbon fleets. Wärtsilä has a long history of finding ways to reduce methane slip from LNG-fueled engines, not just for new ships but also by upgrading existing engines.

Wärtsilä offers a range of solutions to help cut methane emissions from vessels. With nearly thirty years of experience in LNG technology, they provide excellent performance with both dual-fuel engines and the new spark gas engines.

About Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in technology and solutions for marine and energy markets. They focus on creating sustainable technology to help their customers improve their environmental and economic performance. With a dedicated team of over 17,800 professionals in 79 countries, Wärtsilä is committed to transforming the industry to be more eco-friendly. In 2023, the company’s net sales reached EUR 6 billion, and it is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

About Chevron

Chevron is one of the world’s top integrated energy companies. They believe that affordable and clean energy is essential for human progress. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas, makes fuels and lubricants, and develops technologies to improve their business. They are committed to reducing the carbon intensity of their operations while growing their businesses in renewable energy, carbon capture, hydrogen, and other technologies.

Conclusion

The partnership between Wärtsilä and Chevron marks an exciting step forward in reducing emissions from LNG carriers. By changing how engines work, they aim to make marine transportation cleaner and more sustainable. This project is just one of the many efforts needed to protect our planet and create a better future for everyone.