New advanced combustion technology designed to reduce methane slip is being developed for Wärtsilä’s large bore engine platform after earlier success with smaller engines.

The EU-funded Green Ray project is developing on-engine technologies for low-pressure dual-fuel engines – both 2- and 4-stroke – as well as a novel aftertreatment concept. These solutions will be advanced to a high state of technology readiness, including demonstrators installed on two newbuildings and one retrofitted to an existing vessel.

As part of the project, Wärtsilä is developing technology specifically for low pressure 4-stroke dual fuel engines that enables methane slip reduction, increased efficiency and lower operational costs at all engine loads. The project is in line with Wärtsilä’s aim is to demonstrate slip rates of one gram per kWh, a significant reduction compared to existing performance.

“This research will allow us to build on the continuous improvements made in reducing methane slip from gas engines over the past 20 years,” said Sebastiaan Bleuanus, General Manager, Research Coordination & Funding, Wärtsilä Marine Power. “Taking these solutions for newbuilds and retrofits to near commercial readiness will be an important step for the long-term viability of LNG as a marine fuel.”