Wärtsilä Gas Solutions: Enabling Decarbonised Operations with Ammonia Fuel

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions (WGS), a segment of the technology group Wärtsilä, is set to provide the fuel supply and cargo handling systems for two innovative gas carriers powered by ammonia fuel. These vessels are currently being constructed at Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) in Korea for EXMAR LPG, a joint venture between EXMAR, a provider of maritime and offshore solutions, and Seapeak, a leading independent owner-operator of liquefied natural gas vessels. Wärtsilä secured this order in the second quarter of 2024.

“Ammonia utilisation is vital in our pursuit of decarbonised operations,” said Carl-Antoine Saverys, CEO of EXMAR. “Achieving this requires fuel handling and supply systems tailored for ammonia, and Wärtsilä possesses the expertise and capabilities to provide these solutions. EXMAR, with over 40 years of experience in handling ammonia, has a proven track record in the safe and efficient transport of this fuel. This collaboration leverages EXMAR’s extensive knowledge and Wärtsilä’s advanced systems to pioneer ammonia as a marine fuel, contributing significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

These vessels are the final two in a series of six newbuilds for EXMAR, all of which will feature Wärtsilä’s cargo handling and fuel supply systems. These medium-sized gas carriers (MGCs) will be the first ocean-going vessels capable of operating on ammonia fuel, promising substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine diesel fuel, as ammonia combustion does not produce CO2, sulphur, or particulate emissions.

“This latest contract win is a significant achievement for our company and demonstrates our expertise in providing innovative and sustainable solutions for the maritime industry. It is also fully in line with Wärtsilä’s strategy for enabling decarbonised shipping operations and reinforces our strong partnership with both EXMAR and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard,” commented Patrick Ha, Sales Manager at Wärtsilä Gas Solutions.

Wärtsilä’s comprehensive supply scope includes the Cargo Handling Package and the Liquid Ammonia Fuel Supply System (AFSS), along with process engineering and dynamic simulation. The AFSS is skid-mounted with low- and high-pressure fuel pumps, controls for fuel pressure and temperature, and heat exchangers. Delivery to the shipyard is planned for 2025.