Wärtsilä Unveils New Hybrid Power Module

Finnish engineering company Wärtsilä has introduced the Wärtsilä HY, a fully integrated hybrid power module combining engines, an energy storage system, and power electronics.

Optimised to work together through a newly developed energy management system (EMS), the hybrid product is the marine sector’s first hybrid power module of this type produced, thereby “establishing a new industry benchmark in marine hybrid propulsion,” the company said.

There is a notable trend in the marine sector towards hybrid propulsion solutions, which are anticipated to represent a significant percentage of all contracted ships within the coming ten years. According to Wärtsilä, the new EMS represents the latest generation integrated control system, and has been specifically designed for this application.

The Wärtsilä HY will provide increased operational efficiency and flexibility, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved vessel performance. When operating in ‘Green Mode’ zero emissions can be achieved, the company informed. Smokeless operation is also achievable at all load points and in all operating modes.

Furthermore, the reduction in engine operating hours lowers maintenance requirements and extends the intervals between overhauls.

Maritime classification society, Lloyds Register (LR) has issued an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate for the Wärtsilä HY, which will have dedicated versions for each category of vessels, while the first versions being made available will be designed for tugs and medium sized ferries.

“This development opens the door to a new era of marine technology that would have been unimaginable until very recently,” Giulio Tirelli, Director, Marine Engineering, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, said.

The Wärtsilä HY is being officially launched at the Nor-Shipping conference and exhibition being held in Oslo, Norway from May 30 to June 2, 2017.

On 30 May, the company received its first order for the Wärtsilä HY from Italy-based Rimorchiatori Riuniti, an owner and operator of tugs in the Mediterranean Sea region.

The Wärtsilä equipment will be delivered during the second half of 2018, and the new tug is expected to be in service by the beginning of 2019.