By
Laura Hyde |
Stena Line has contracted technology group Wärtsilä to convert several of its ferries to operate on methanol, marking an important step in the Swedish operator’s journey towards sustainable shipping.
During the conversion projects, which are scheduled to take place in 2025, engineers will modify the fuel supply system and engines, including adding automation for the engine control room. The new installations will be integrated with the ships’ existing systems.
“As we continue to implement our strategy to decarbonise all our operations, we see methanol as a viable alternative fuel that will help us achieve this ambition,” said Ian Hampton of Stena Line. “Wärtsilä has proven its capabilities to carry out the necessary conversions. This was shown eight years ago when they converted the Stena Germanica to operate with methanol; our experience from this ground-breaking innovation has been very positive.”
The conversions will enable Stena Line’s ferries to comply with various existing and upcoming regulations, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), FuelEU Maritime and the International Maritime Organization’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2050.
“We have had close cooperation with Stena Line for many years and we are pleased to be supporting them again in this important conversion project,” said Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä’s marine power business. “Like Stena Line, Wärtsilä is committed to making decarbonised shipping operations a reality and we have invested heavily in developing our engine portfolio to be capable of utilising carbon neutral and zero-carbon fuels.”