Technology group Wartsila has completed engine conversions on three LNG carriers operated by Chevron Transport Corporation, aiming to reduce methane emissions from LNG fuel.
The company converted one engine on each vessel from dual-fuel to spark gas operation, the firm said in an emailed update on Tuesday.
Three more vessels are scheduled for conversion later this year and in 2027.
The conversion allows the Wartsila dual-fuel engines to use spark ignition instead of diesel pilot fuel to initiate combustion.
An electrically controlled pre-combustion chamber valve helps optimise combustion and reduce methane slip.
Wartsila estimates the conversion will bring methane emissions down to 1.1% of fuel use on an IMO-weighted E2-cycle average.
The solution is available for vessels with existing Wartsila 50DF engines used in diesel-electric propulsion, most of which are LNG carriers.
“Advancing lower-emission shipping will require both technology innovation and industry collaboration,” Barbara Pickering, president of Chevron Shipping, said.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so reducing methane slip is important for limiting the climate impact of LNG-fuelled ships.
