Wärtsilä has launched a methane slip reduction solution for its 50DF dual-fuel engine, converting it to spark gas (SG) operation.

According to Wärtsilä, this technology optimises combustion, improving efficiency and reducing methane emissions by up to 75 per cent compared to the standard engine when running on LNG.

The Spark Gas Conversion introduces an electrically controlled pre-combustion chamber valve, further enhancing combustion.

On an IMO weighted (E2-cycle) average, this solution reduces methane emissions to just 1.1 per cent of fuel use.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, said: “The use of LNG and cutting methane emissions is one of the most effective ways to decrease overall GHG emissions from marine engines over the next decade, complementing other efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.

“As the shipping industry strives for more sustainable operations, this new solution represents an important milestone on the road to advancing lower carbon fleets.”

In March, Wärtsilä unveiled the Methanol Power and Control (PAC) simulation model, in partnership with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) and Wavelink Maritime Institute.

The model, designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency for methanol-powered vessels, is the first of its kind.

Wavelink Maritime Institute will be the first MPA-accredited training partner to use this simulation model, which will be officially launched at SMW 2025.