Wärtsilä to Power New Cargo Vessel with Ammonia Technology
Technology group Wärtsilä has announced a significant advancement in sustainable maritime operations by providing its innovative Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia solution for a new cargo vessel being constructed for Norway-based Skarv Shipping Solutions. This vessel, set to be built at the Huanghai shipyard in China, will be the first newbuild to utilize this cutting-edge technology. The order was confirmed in the fourth quarter of 2025 and represents a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.
The Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine is designed to significantly lower emissions, aligning with Skarv Shipping Solutions’ commitment to promoting sustainable short-sea shipping in Northern Europe. Alongside the engine, Wärtsilä will also supply a complete fuel gas supply system and an exhaust after-treatment system. This comprehensive approach underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing the environmental performance of maritime operations.
Ammonia is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative fuel, playing a pivotal role in achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) net-zero emissions target for 2050. A recent report from Wärtsilä highlights that while existing decarbonization measures can reduce shipping emissions by up to 27%, sustainable fuels like ammonia are essential for eliminating the remaining 73%.
Commitment to Sustainable Shipping
Jan Øivind Svardal, CEO of Skarv Shipping Solutions, emphasized the importance of transitioning to a more climate-friendly European short-sea fleet. He stated, “Our aim is to prove that it is possible to renew the European short-sea fleet while making it more climate-friendly.” Svardal expressed confidence in Wärtsilä’s leadership in developing carbon-free propulsion technologies, noting that the Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia solution meets their needs for safety, environmental responsibility, and energy efficiency.
Wärtsilä’s ammonia solution includes several key components: the Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine, the AmmoniaPac Fuel Gas Supply System, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system tailored for ammonia. This integrated system is designed with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability. When operating on sustainable ammonia, the engine can reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% compared to traditional diesel engines, enabling compliance with EU emissions targets for 2050 and exceeding the IMO targets for 2040.
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Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, remarked on the extensive research and testing that led to the development of the Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine. He stated, “Through our focus on continuous improvement, we have developed the Wärtsilä 25 engine, along with our associated ammonia handling systems, to deliver outstanding levels of safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.” The equipment delivery for this newbuild is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards greener shipping solutions.
