Technology group Wärtsilä has been awarded an order to supply three Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel engines for a new LNG bunkering vessel under construction for Spanish operator Ibaizabal. These engines will feature Wärtsilä’s groundbreaking NextDF technology, designed to significantly reduce methane emissions when operating with LNG fuel. The vessel, with a capacity of 18,600 m³, is being built at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding yard in China, and the order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2024.
LNG is a key transition fuel as the maritime industry works to reduce its carbon footprint. However, as the primary component of LNG is methane, a small amount may not combust fully during the fuel-burning process, potentially leading to methane emissions into the atmosphere. Wärtsilä’s 25DF engine has already set a high industry standard for minimizing methane emissions, achieving reductions as low as 1.4 percent at certain load points. The addition of the NextDF feature will further lower emissions to as little as 1.1 percent across a wide load range, while also decreasing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions below IMO Tier III levels.
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Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Jose Maria Torre, Fleet Director of Ibaizabal Group, commented on the decision, stating “Our company strategy and commitment is to make our vessels as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. In alignment with current and anticipated regulations—both at the international and regional levels—we carefully evaluated the fuel consumption and emission performance with Wärtsilä. We concluded that the Wärtsilä 25DF engine with the NextDF feature would best support us in achieving our sustainability goals.”
Torre continued “Wärtsilä’s state-of-the-art technology not only represents a major leap forward in achieving our decarbonization strategy for our fleet, but it also benefits the charterer of the vessel. The decision to charter this vessel was driven by its superior performance and the lowest emissions in its category.”
Industry-Leading Engine Technology
The Wärtsilä 25DF engine, already known for being the most efficient and environmentally friendly marine engine in its power range, offers a flexible, modular design that can be upgraded and adapted. This platform helps operators significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions, improving vessel efficiency. With the NextDF feature, operators will achieve even greater decarbonization outcomes, with efficiency improvements of up to 0.5 percentage points alongside reduced emissions.
In addition to the engines, Wärtsilä will also supply two Wärtsilä Steerable Thrusters (WST), which will provide superior hydrodynamic performance, ensuring maximum propulsion efficiency and dynamic positioning capabilities.
Breaking Ground in Decarbonization
Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine, commented “The incorporation of our NextDF feature into the Wärtsilä 25DF engine provides enhanced fuel economy while significantly cutting emissions. We share Ibaizabal’s commitment to decarbonizing shipping operations and commend them for being the first operator to implement this revolutionary technology.”
The equipment is scheduled for a fast-track delivery to the shipyard starting in September 2025, with the vessel expected to be delivered before the end of 2026.
Wärtsilä’s Role in Sustainable Shipping
Wärtsilä is a global leader in providing power, propulsion, and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. The company focuses on advancing the maritime industry’s transition to new fuels and sustainable technologies, offering a comprehensive portfolio of marine engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technologies, exhaust treatment, and digital solutions. With a commitment to decarbonization, Wärtsilä continues to drive the industry forward on its journey toward a sustainable future.
Wärtsilä’s expertise and innovative technologies are helping customers reduce their environmental impact and improve operational performance. Through its integrated solutions and a global network of maritime expertise, Wärtsilä supports its customers in their efforts to achieve a decarbonized and environmentally responsible future.
About Ibaizabal
Ibaizabal Group is a leading provider of integrated ship management services to the International Shipping and Offshore industries, committed to the highest standards of quality assurance. With a rich history dating back to the 1860s, Ibaizabal Group, through its various subsidiaries, has been deeply involved in the operation and management of both its own fleet and third-party owned vessels.
The Group specializes in fleet management, with responsibilities distributed across various management companies, each focusing on specific vessel types and trades. Ibaizabal is dedicated to maintaining excellence in Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental management, while meeting regulatory and organizational requirements. Ibaizabal Bunkers, a recognized leader in the marine bunkering sector, offers expert technical, commercial, and operational services to oil majors and global marine fuel suppliers, ensuring safety, quality, and environmental responsibility in key ports worldwide.
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy sectors. With over 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations across 77 countries, Wärtsilä is shaping the future of decarbonization in industries worldwide. The company emphasizes sustainable technology and services to help customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki, and in 2024, its net sales reached EUR 6.4 billion.
Source Wartsila