Wärtsilä methanol engine tech to cut port emissions in North America

Wärtsilä has signed a collaboration agreement with architecture and marine engineering firm, Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), to further develop EBDG’s Clean Harbor Alternative Mobile Power (CHAMP) Barge design.

Wärtsilä methanol engine tech to cut port emissions in North America

The collaboration introduces Wärtsilä’s methanol engine technology, which reportedly provides a cost-effective emissions reduction solution for large vessels where conventional shore power is limited.

The floating mobile power platform is designed to meet zero-emission plans and regulations in US ports. It will utilise the Wärtsilä 32 Methanol engine and associated systems to reduce emissions, aligning with sustainability goals while easing pressure on port electrical infrastructure.

CHAMP will offer 6 to 16 MW of power using green methanol, enabling emissions reduction for vessels docked or anchored for extended periods without shore power permits. As a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected vessel, it is said to offer flexibility and ease of repositioning to meet operational needs.

“Wärtsilä’s experience with methanol-fuelled marine engines is unmatched, and we continue to develop future-fuel capabilities to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime operations,” commented Joel Thigpen, General Manager, New Build, Wärtsilä Marine.

“This collaboration with Elliott Bay Design Group demonstrates both companies’ commitment to providing practical and sustainable solutions for the maritime industry.”

“We are pleased to partner with Wärtsilä in bringing this innovative patent pending solution to the market,” said Mike Complita, Principal in Charge at EBDG.

“The CHAMP barge project represents a significant stride toward tackling the most daunting challenges in curbing port emissions, all while offering the adaptability of multi-megawatt power solutions.”

Late last year, Wärtsilä announced it would supply cargo handling and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel supply systems for a new Medium Gas Carrier (MGC) vessel being built for Turkish ship owner Pasco Gas.

More recently, Siem Offshore announced its collaboration with Wärtsilä to reduce the carbon footprint of its 26-vessel fleet and to meet its goal of reaching full carbon neutrality by 2050.