Wärtsilä Collaborates with EBDG to Lower Port Emissions Across North American Ports

Technology major Wärtsilä has reportedly partnered with Seattle, US-based marine engineering and naval architecture company Elliott Bay Design Group (popular as EBDG) to formulate the latter’s Clean Harbor Alternative Mobile Power (abbreviated CHAMP) Barge design.

Equipped with Wärtsilä’s methanol engine tech, the alliance brings a cost-effective solution to decrease emissions from big vessels where traditional shore power is either limited or completely unavailable.

This floating mobile power medium has been exclusively designed to operate in ports across the US in congruence with zero-emission strategies and prerequisites established by the local authorities and relevant regulations. EBDG’s Principal in Charge, Mike Complita, announced that the firm is pleased to collaborate with Wärtsilä to launch such an innovative patent-pending solution.

The CHAMP barge scheme represents an important stride in managing the challenges associated with curbing port emissions while offering the adaptability of multi-megawatt power answers. When successfully delivered, CHAMP will use methanol-fuelled power yielded by the engine Wärtsilä 32 Methanol. It helps lessen emissions, meeting the decarbonization necessities of most ports.

The engine will further be complemented by Wärtsilä’s methanol fuel handling strategy, Wärtsilä MethanolPac, as well as the firm’s emission after-treatment system dubbed the Wärtsilä NOx Reducer. The solution is likely to decrease emissions, aligning with the sustainability goals of most ports based in North America while relieving the pressure on electrical infrastructure in both the medium and short term. Wärtsilä’s experience with methanol-fuelled marine engines is exceptional, and the team continues to develop future-fuel capacities to speed up the decarbonization of maritime processes.

The collaboration with EBDG ascertains both firms’ loyalty to delivering practical and sustainable solutions to the maritime industry, explained Joel Thigpen, the GM of New Build at Wärtsilä Marine. CHAMP will offer a power range from 6 MW to 16 MW, using green methanol as the source. It will address the need to lessen port emissions by encouraging cold ironing for the vessels, whether docked/anchored, for about two weeks or longer before refuelling is necessary.

As it is a US Coast Guard-inspected vessel, the barge will help eradicate the need for infrastructure/shoreside permits, and its compact size aids in maintaining the flexibility of seamless repositioning to satisfy operational requirements. EBDG and Wärtsilä have earlier worked together on projects where Wärtsilä’s power, as well as propulsion products and expertise, are appropriately suited for distinct vessel designs.

References: Wartsila, Dry Bulk Magazine

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