Wärtsilä joins EU-funded consortium to further accelerate zero-carbon shipping

(Posted on 11/05/26)

Technology group Wärtsilä has joined H4PERION, an EU-funded Horizon Europe project led by the University of Vaasa in Finland, to help accelerate the transition to zero-carbon long-distance shipping. The four-year project will develop and demonstrate solutions to improve engine efficiency and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wärtsilä will contribute by developing a combustion concept that enables internal combustion engines to operate safely and efficiently on a blend of hydrogen and biomethane, with the aim of achieving up to 100% hydrogen operation in open-sea conditions.

“Several low carbon fuels are being explored within the industry, and hydrogen is considered one potential zero carbon option. By focusing on its practical application and safety in maritime contexts, the H4PERION project aims to advance innovation and set new standards for the industry. Collaboration across Europe will be key in achieving these outcomes,” says University of Vaasa’s Research and Development Director, Henri Karimäki.

In addition, Wärtsilä will develop a catalyst system to reduce methane slip and other emissions, supporting a lower overall lifecycle carbon footprint.

Wärtsilä will demonstrate selected technologies onboard Wasaline’s ferry ‘Aurora Botnia’, with a focus on reducing the vessel’s emissions - particularly methane slip. The project also includes training programmes for crew and port workers and activities to support the safe use of sustainable fuels.

The H4PERION project will run for four years, until the end of May 2030. During this time, sea trials will be carried out onboard the ‘Aurora Botnia’ ferry which operates between Finland and Sweden. In parallel, an identical full-scale engine will be tested in a laboratory environment to mirror real sailing conditions and further optimise performance. Data from both demonstrations will feed into a digital twin model to support long-term learning and future design work.

Latest News

Rollout of CMT test kits increase as bulk shipmanagers look to reduce costs

CM Technologies (CMT) has supplied its integrated onboard fuel/oil testing and analysis kits to a fleet... Read more

Superior’s TeleStacker conveyor evolution continues to improve plant and port performance

Superior Industries, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing... Read more

Repositioned for the Future: NDE Readymix’s E-Crane Transformation

NDE Readymix Concrete Ltd., established in 2009, is the largest non-cement ready-mix concrete producer... Read more

Hazira Port crane success for Steelpaint’s new Stelcatec-L repair coat solution

German corrosion protection specialist Steelpaint has successfully completed a technical field trial... Read more

Veson Platform a new foundation for maritime trade

Veson Nautical has announced the Veson Platform, a unified, AI-powered experience that brings together... Read more

ABB to acquire Høglund to expand marine automation offering

ABB has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire marine automation specialist Hø... Read more

NAVTOR sets new standards with Digital Logbook ‘industry firsts’

NAVTOR has unveiled the latest iteration of its Digital Logbooks offering, featuring the industry&rsquo... Read more

Industry warned battery fire awareness must catch up with changing onboard risks

The maritime industry is facing a rapidly changing fire risk on board vessels as electric vehicles and... Read more

Smart Ship Hub launches one of industry's lowest-cost vessel data loggers

Smart Ship Hub (SSH), the maritime intelligence and data collection platform, has launched one of the... Read more

75 Years young: Verstegen celebrates three quarters of a century of excellence

World leading manufacturer of rope operated mechanical grabs for the dry bulk industry, Verstegen Grijpers... Read more