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Wärtsilä explains steps taken by Seaspan Ferries to slash 90% less carbon intensity

Wärtsilä explains three measures that helped Canadian ferry operator Seaspan Ferries slash the well-to-wake carbon intensity of one of its vessels by a colossal 90%.

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Wärtsilä explains steps taken by Seaspan Ferries to slash 90% less carbon intensity

Technology group Wärtsilä Corporation on Thursday (23 November) explained the three measures that helped Canadian ferry operator Seaspan Ferries slash the well-to-wake carbon intensity of one of its vessels by a colossal 90%:

Seaspan Ferries Corporation’s cargo vessels provide a vital link between the Canadian cities around Vancouver and neighbouring Vancouver Island. As part of its commitment to reducing air emissions and preserving the pristine local environment, Seaspan Ferries upgraded the engine control software and operational profile of its hybrid ferries Reliant and Swift, slashing the well-to-wake carbon intensity of the vessels by a colossal 90%. 

Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC) operates around the clock, seven days a week, and is by far the largest RoRo cargo carrier to and from Vancouver Island. The company has already gone a long way to reduce the environmental impact of its operations – for example, by adopting electrified port equipment and shore power systems as well as through its support for local environmental initiatives. In its latest move to reduce the carbon intensity of its vessels, SFC made three changes to its hybrid ferries Reliant and Swift to make the vessels even more environmentally friendly.

1 – Installing a greenhouse gas reduction package 

The vessels’ engines have been upgraded with the Wärtsilä 34DF greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction upgrade. “This simple and cost-effective control software upgrade can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of any vessel powered by Wärtsilä 34DF engines,” explains Mark Keneford, General Manager, Sales, Canada, Wärtsilä. The upgrade reduces unburned methane emissions – known as methane slip – by reducing the charge air pressure and air-fuel ratio at key load points. The GHG reduction package also included engine low load optimisation, which further reduces methane slip by disabling some of the engine cylinders at low loads and allowing others to take higher loads.

2 – Switching to renewable fuel 

The Reliant and Swift are both powered by two Wärtsilä 34DF engines, a medium-speed 4-stroke marine engine with fully fuel-flexible operation. The Wärtsilä 34DF engines onboard the Reliant and Swift can run on LNG, MDO or biofuels. Seaspan took advantage of this fuel flexibility by switching to 100% biodiesel for the pilot fuel and renewable LNG for the main fuel when it is available. This switch dramatically reduced the vessel’s carbon footprint in the process.

3 – Upgrading the battery 

SFC upgraded the vessels’ onboard battery capability to reduce engine operating hours. The upgrade made it possible to switch from running two engines at low load, which increases methane slip, to running one engine at a higher load, which further minimises methane slip and other emissions.

Impressive results with a real impact

These three steps reduced the well-to-wake carbon intensity of the Reliant by an impressive 90%. The University of British Columbia confirmed the reduction in a published paper. “We’re really happy with these results,” says Harly Penner, Vice President, SFC. “The improvements fit with our vision of reducing the carbon footprint of our operations while continuing to improve the quality and efficiency of our services for customers in British Columbia.”

Wärtsilä and SFC are continuing to collaborate on solutions to further reduce the GHG impacts of the vessels’ operations. Recently, the Wärtsilä SmartDock autonomous docking system was commissioned onboard the Reliant and Swift to increase safety and improve operational efficiency. These vessel upgrades are all part of Seaspan’s strategy. Naturally, Wärtsilä will be on hand to offer support and expertise as Seaspan continues its decarbonisation journey

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 28 November, 2023

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Ammonia

Mitsui E&S commercialises ammonia dual-fuel engines and fuel supply systems

Company says it has established a supply framework for marine propulsion systems aimed at the practical implementation of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

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Mitsui E&S commercialises ammonia dual-fuel engines and fuel supply systems

Mitsui E&S on Thursday (20 August) said it has completed the commercialisation of large ammonia dual-fuel marine engines and ammonia fuel supply systems (AFSS).

As the only company in Japan manufacturing both ammonia dual fuel engines and AFSS, the company said it has established a supply framework for marine propulsion systems aimed at the practical implementation of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

“While ammonia holds promise as a next-generation fuel that emits no carbon dioxide during combustion, it is difficult to ignite and poses risks related to toxicity and corrosiveness; therefore, ensuring safety, reliability, and environmental performance is crucial for its practical implementation in society,” it said. 

In February, Mitsui E&S conducted land-based tests involving the integrated operation of the Ammonia dual fuel engine MITSUI-Everllence B&W 7S60ME-C10.5-LGIA-HPSCR and the AFSS, witnessed by ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai), and verified their performance. 

Following the completion of the tests and the subsequent review, Mitsui E&S confirmed the completion of onshore testing in accordance with classification society rules and verified compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) NOx regulations through NOx certification. 

“Consequently, we have finalised the commercialisation of the ammonia dual fuel engines and the AFSS and are now able to supply it for actual vessels,” it added. 

Mitsui E&S said it has already decided to expand its land-based testing facilities for AFSS compatible with both Everllence and WinGD licensed engines. 

“In conjunction with this, we will establish a mass-production system for both the engines and the AFSS to meet the anticipated rise in demand,” it said. 

Mitsui E&S added the company is expanding its engine lineup to accommodate a diverse range of next-generation marine fuels, including ammonia, by offering ammonia-fuelled engines and AFSS as an integrated package.

 

Photo credit: Mitsui E&S
Published: 24 August, 2026

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Events

London forum to address critical bottlenecks holding back maritime decarbonisation

Marine Energy Transition Forum 2026 will be held on 11 November to address bunker fuel, technology and infrastructure barriers that continue to slow the industry’s transition to net-zero emissions.

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London forum to address critical bottlenecks holding back maritime decarbonisation

The Marine Energy Transition Forum (METF) 2026 will bring together leading voices from across the global maritime sector on 11 November 2026 at Norton Rose Fulbright, London.

The forum will tackle one of shipping’s most pressing challenges: how to overcome the fuel, technology and infrastructure barriers that continue to slow the industry’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Under the theme “Reframing the maritime decarbonisation roadmap: addressing fuel, technology and infrastructure bottlenecks,” the one-day forum will provide a platform for shipowners, fuel suppliers, technology developers, ports, policymakers and financiers to examine the practical steps needed to accelerate progress while maintaining commercial competitiveness.

As the maritime industry navigates an increasingly complex regulatory and commercial landscape, METF 2026 will focus on delivering practical insight into the challenges—and opportunities—shaping the next phase of the energy transition.

The conference programme will explore five key themes:

  • The effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and policy measures, including regional and international initiatives driving maritime decarbonisation.
  • Progress in developing a resilient multi-fuel future, examining investment, fuel availability, supply chains and infrastructure.
  • The commercial readiness of emerging technologies, including alternative propulsion systems, vessel optimisation, batteries, carbon capture, wind propulsion and digital solutions.
  • Building a supportive business environment for energy transition companies, with discussions covering finance, innovation, scaling businesses and market development.
  • The evolving role of ports as critical enablers of shipping’s energy transition through new fuel infrastructure, shore power and energy cluster development.

METF 2026 is designed to encourage open discussion between every part of the maritime value chain, recognising that collaboration across fuel producers, shipowners, ports, technology providers, investors and policymakers will be essential if global decarbonisation ambitions are to be achieved.

The event will feature expert speakers, panel discussions and extensive networking opportunities, enabling delegates to exchange ideas, develop partnerships and gain practical insight into the strategies shaping the future of maritime energy.

Registration for METF 2026 is now open. Further information and registration can be found here

 

Photo credit: ship.energy
Published: 13 August, 2026

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Engine

Japan’s first WinGD methanol dual-fuel marine engine passes FAT at MITSUI E&S

Company successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, the first methanol dual-fuel WinGD large marine engine built in Japan.

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MITSUI E&S completes FAT of Japan's first WinGD methanol dual-fuel engine

MITSUI E&S on Monday (3 August) announced that Mitsui E&S DU, a group company of MITSUI E&S, has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, the first methanol dual-fuel WinGD large marine engine built in Japan.

The engine is also the first WinGD large marine engine manufactured at MITSUI E&S Tamano Works.

“The engine is scheduled to be installed on the first vessel in a series of four vessels being built for a domestic shipowner,” the company said on its website. 

By utilising green methanol as fuel, it will contribute to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping operations.

“To meet the expected increase in marine engine demand under the Japanese government’s Shipbuilding Industry Revitalisation Roadmap, the MITSUI E&S Group is working to enhance production efficiency for large marine engines through integrated operation at MITSUI E&S Tamano and Mitsui E&S DU Aioi,” the company added.

 

Photo credit: MITSUI E&S
Published: 4 August, 2026

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