Wärtsilä Launches "First of Its Kind" Bunker-Saving Hybrid Power Module [VIDEO]

Wärtsilä has announced the introduction of the Wärtsilä HY, a hybrid power module. Image: Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä today announced the introduction of the "first of its kind" bunker-saving Wärtsilä HY - a hybrid power module that the company says represents "an unprecedented innovation in marine propulsion systems."

Wärtsilä says the fully integrated hybrid power module combines engines, an energy storage system, and power electronics, which are optimised to work together through a newly developed energy management system (EMS).

"There is a notable trend in the marine sector towards hybrid propulsion solutions, which are anticipated to represent a significant percentage of all contracted ships within the coming ten years," stated Wärtsilä.

"The new EMS represents the latest generation integrated control system, and has been specifically designed for this application. It creates an outstanding means of interaction with the ship's onboard systems."

The Wärtsilä HY, which can can achieve zero emissions when operating in "Green Mode," is expected to provide customers with a wide range of benefits, including lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved vessel performance.

Lloyds Register (LR) is noted to have issued an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate for the Wärtsilä HY.

"LR is proud to issue an Approval in Principle certificate to the Wärtsilä HY hybrid power module. LR, like Wärtsilä, is committed to tackling the big challenges facing the industry, especially those environmental challenges related to carbon emissions," said Nick Brown, LR's Marine & Offshore Director.

"LR is focused on supporting the safe and effective introduction of new technologies offering the potential solutions, and Hybrid technology is one of those. We have worked to support Wärtsilä in the realisation of this new product and are delighted to see it launched at Nor-Shipping."

The Wärtsilä HY will have dedicated versions for each category of vessels and is being officially launched at this week's Nor-Shipping conference and exhibition being in Oslo.