CMM has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Wärtsilä to develop the first Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) powered by ethanol. This pioneering initiative is built on a collaborative design concept that leverages Wärtsilä's versatile mulI-fuel engine platform, the Wärtsilä 32. This partnership underscores both companies' commitment to significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In a significant development in February 2024, Wärtsilä conducted ground-breaking testing at their Vaasa, Finland, laboratory using ethanol as the primary fuel in a full-scale Wärtsilä 32 engine. These tests confirmed the engine's capability to operate efficiently on a range of fuels, including diesel, biodiesel, heavy fuel oil (HFO), methanol, and ethanol.
CMM has secured preliminary financial approval from the Brazilian Merchant Marine Fund (FMM) to construct 10 Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) in Brazil. Incorporating ethanol into these vessels’ operational strategy aligns with CMM’s vision to develop a fleet of greener vessels for operations both in Brazil and internationally.
CMM’s agreement with Wärtsilä sets a rapid timeline for the construction of the first vessel, marking a significant step towards the industrial application of the Wärtsilä 32 on a multi-fuel platform. Both companies are poised to lead the maritime industry towards a more sustainable future.
Statement from Christophe Vancauwenbergh, CEO of Compagnie Maritime Monegasque:
“We are very happy with this collaboration with Wärtsilä to develop the world’s first ethanol-powered application for the marine industry. We intend to build these vessels in Brazil, ensuring that our customers’ operations can achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thereby presenting a feasible alternative towards a greener future for the maritime industry.”
Statement from Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & ExecuIve Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation:
“With shipping firms under increasing pressure to decarbonize their operations, we, at Wärtsilä, remain dedicated to the development and testing of technologies and solutions aimed for low and zero-carbon marine fuels. We are fully aligned with CMM’s vision to accelerate the maritime industry towards net-zero emissions shipping, with this agreement only cementing our commitment towards pioneering solutions which enable a more sustainable future.”