Exploring Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub

Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub: A Green Innovation Powerhouse

Wärtsilä, a Finnish tech company, is on a mission to decarbonize and supply the market with a range of products ready for zero-carbon fuels. The company has been making significant investments in research and development, with a focus on maximizing the efficiency of its engines and developing products that can run on carbon neutral and carbon free fuels. In 2022, Wärtsilä introduced the Wärtsilä 32 methanol engine, and it has plans for ammonia and hydrogen concepts in the near future.

To support its decarbonization goals, Wärtsilä invested €250 million in the creation of its state-of-the-art Sustainable Technology Hub (STH) in Vaasa, Finland. This hub, which officially opened in June 2022, is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and the production of green technologies. It features a modern fuel laboratory, technology and engine testing facilities, remote monitoring center, and a state-of-the-art production system with high levels of automation and flexibility. The STH is also energy efficient, with advanced energy recovery systems that enable self-sufficiency for heat energy.

The STH’s partner campus serves as an ecosystem of collaboration, bringing together experts from various fields to drive meaningful innovation. Wärtsilä aims to accelerate the shift to green technologies and be at the forefront of this movement. The company is focused on developing partnerships to benefit from innovation and is actively collaborating with other companies, bid partners, customers, universities, and research institutes.

One example of collaborative work is the Wasaline dual-fuel LNG ro-pax ferry Aurora Botnia, which features an integrated package of Wärtsilä solutions. The vessel serves as a test platform and technology demonstrator for Wärtsilä’s R&D efforts.

The STH’s unique manufacturing and logistics setup is designed for flexibility and adaptability to meet new demands as technologies evolve and new products are created. Wärtsilä is looking to streamline its operations from product design and engineering to manufacturing, exploring new opportunities in areas such as 3D-based assembly simulations.

Wärtsilä’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in its efforts to lead the way in green technologies and collaborate with partners to drive meaningful change.