Wärtsilä Expands Introduces NextDF Technology for Third Engine

Technology group Wärtsilä has introduced its NextDF technology for a third engine, the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF dual-fuel engine. While operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine with NextDF feature reduces methane emissions to less than 1.4 percent of fuel use across all load points, achieving as low as 1.1 percent in a wide load range. This is nearly three times lower than the default methane slip factor of 3.1 percent, specified in the FuelEU Maritime and IMO Lifecycle Guidelines for Otto-cycle four-stroke dual-fuel engines. Through improvements made to the combustion control, and through optimizing engine performance, the new feature also minimizes nitrogen oxide (NOx) and CO₂ emissions.

LNG is an important transition fuel as the marine industry strives to reduce its carbon footprint. However, the main component of LNG is methane and when burned as a fuel, a small amount may not combust properly, leading to methane escaping into the atmosphere. Across the shipping industry, the use of LNG and cutting methane emissions is one of the most effective ways to decrease overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from engines over the next decade, complementing other efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions.

“NextDF technology reduces the environmental impact of vessels