A fleet operator has formed a technology partnership to achieve a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030
In efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its 90 vessel fleet, Solstad Offshore is working with Wärtsilä to identify and implement solutions that will increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from its offshore vessels.
“Cooperation is essential if we are to implement the solutions needed to succeed with the green shift that is underway. For this reason, we at Solstad are partnering with forward-looking companies such as Wärtsilä who have the expertise, experience, and innovative technologies required,” said Tor Inge Dale, head of sustainability at Solstad Offshore.
Partnership
During the collaboration, each vessel will be assessed for appropriate solutions, possible operational improvements and life extension considerations.
Solstad has worked systematically to reduce emissions since 2009, both through operational measures (Solstad Green Operations) and technical upgrades. These have so far resulted in average fuel consumption per vessel being reduced by more than 20%.
The further reduction to 50% is expected to be reached by optimising energy efficiencies and by retrofitting the vessels to operate with alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. Additionally, new ship designs must be capable of offering low or zero emissions from the outset.
Wärtsilä has established itself as a pioneer in the testing of ammonia as a fuel for both marine engines and fuel cells. It has successfully operated a combustion engine on a fuel mix with 70% ammonia content and it’s currently developing capabilities to use even higher proportions of the fuel.
As a major participant in the EU’s ShipFC project, Wärtsilä is contributing to the development of the world’s first emissions-free offshore vessel operating with an ammonia-powered fuel cell.
In 2021, the company was awarded ‘Best of What’s New’ recognition in the engineering category by Popular Science magazine for its work within the MS Green Ammonia project. This new vessel concept will both transport and be fuelled by green ammonia.
Wärtsilä will initially be an advisor and technical expert to Solstad. The agreement also allows the company to act as a possible supplier for the decarbonisation solutions selected.
