Technology group Wärtsilä, in partnership with Chevron Shipping Company, is set to transform the maritime industry with a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers. The collaboration focuses on converting one engine on six of Chevron Transport Corporation Ltd.’s LNG carriers from dual-fuel (DF) operation to spark gas (SG) operation. This innovative project marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of greener marine transportation and is expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing methane slip.
Details of the Initiative
The conversion project, which is the first of its kind in the marine industry, emerged after two years of collaborative efforts between Wärtsilä and Chevron Shipping. The order for the first two vessels in this conversion initiative was placed with Wärtsilä in the third quarter of 2024.
LNG, while considered a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, can produce small amounts of methane during combustion. Methane slip occurs when not all methane combusts, allowing some to escape into the atmosphere. Although methane remains in the atmosphere for a shorter duration than carbon dioxide (CO₂), it traps approximately 25–30 times more heat over a 100-year period. Addressing methane emissions is crucial for lowering the overall carbon intensity of maritime operations.
Wärtsilä’s 50DF to SG conversion project will modify existing engines to operate using spark ignition rather than diesel pilot fuel. This adjustment is designed to optimize the combustion process, leading to reduced methane slip and improved fuel efficiency.
Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Chevron Shipping aims to reduce methane emissions intensity of our LNG fleet in support of a lower carbon future. We are pleased to collaborate with Wärtsilä in this industry first. This demonstrates steps we are taking to reduce the carbon intensity of marine transportation.”
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, highlighted the project’s importance, saying, “This innovative project represents a notable step forward on the road to advancing lower carbon fleets. Wärtsilä has an extensive track record in reducing methane slip from LNG-fuelled engines, not only as newbuild solutions, but also through retrofitting existing installations.”
This new technology is part of Wärtsilä’s extensive portfolio aimed at reducing methane emissions from vessels. With nearly three decades of experience in LNG technology, Wärtsilä provides leading performance through both dual-fuel flexibility and single-fuel SG engines.
The partnership between Wärtsilä and Chevron Shipping signifies a crucial step toward achieving a sustainable future in marine transportation. By addressing methane emissions through innovative engine technology, both companies are paving the way for greener operations in the LNG sector, contributing to a lower carbon footprint for the maritime industry.
About Chevron
Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, committed to providing affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy essential for human progress. The company produces crude oil and natural gas, manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives, and develops technologies that enhance business and industry efficiency. Chevron aims to grow its oil and gas business, lower the carbon intensity of its operations, and expand into lower-carbon businesses, including renewable fuels, carbon capture, offsets, hydrogen, and other emerging technologies.
About Wärtsilä Marine
Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in power, propulsion, and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. The company develops industry-leading technologies to advance maritime’s transition to new fuels, supporting the creation of a digital ecosystem where vessels and ports are interconnected. Through a broad portfolio of engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, and digital solutions, Wärtsilä drives the shipping industry toward a decarbonized and sustainable future. The company’s performance-based agreements, lifecycle solutions, and unrivaled global maritime expertise ensure efficiency, reliability, safety, and environmental performance.
Source Wartsila Marine