Milestone explained
The decision by Skarv Shipping Solutions to specify a Wärtsilä twenty five Ammonia engine for its next coastal cargo vessel transforms climate ambition into a contract. This is the first time an ocean going newbuild will leave the yard ready to run fully on sustainable ammonia while still being able to revert to conventional fuels if needed. The order confirms that alternative fuel conversations are progressing from laboratory trials into fleet deployment.
How the technology works
Integrated safety features
The four stroke engine uses low pressure injection and cylinder temperature optimisation to ensure stable combustion without forming nitrous oxide peaks. Wärtsilä pairs the main engine with its AmmoniaPac supply module and a dedicated release mitigation system that dilutes any unintended gas vent using water spray and ventilation fans. The selective catalytic reduction unit is tuned specifically for ammonia exhaust, enabling compliance with Tier three nitrogen rules even at part load.
Commercial advantages
Forward fuel flexibility
Running on green ammonia can lower total greenhouse gases by at least ninety percent compared with marine diesel. Because ammonia storage density is similar to methanol, the vessel retains cargo intake and range that short sea schedules demand. The complete package allows operators to meet the European twenty fifty target three decades early, unlocking potential green freight premiums in northern ports.
A non obvious insight lies in the modular arrangement of the supply system. By designing pipe runs and instrumentation as skid mounted units, the shipyard reduces classification approval time for follow up vessels. This quietly shortens the learning curve and could lead to a cascade of sister orders, accelerating the wider availability of ammonia bunkering infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Skarv project demonstrates that choosing an engine platform ready for carbon free operation is already feasible and financially sensible thanks to integrated safety solutions and flexible fuel capability.
