MARINE technology group Wärtsilä has become an official mission ambassador of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.
The stated aim of the independent research and development centre is to accelerate the maritime industry’s transition toward a net-zero future.
Maersk, bp, DP World, Hapag-Lloyd, NYK Line and Rio Tinto (among others) are also strategic partners of the initiative.
The centre works with its partners to implement new technologies, build confidence in new concepts and mature viable strategies to achieve systemic and regulatory changes.
Wärtsilä Marine Power president Roger Holm said collaboration is an important part of decarbonising the maritime industry.
“In joining the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping as mission ambassador, Wärtsilä opens for collaboration between not only maritime stakeholders, but also fuel providers, universities, and governments,” he said.
“Uniting expertise through this forum will undoubtedly drive a stronger shipping industry; one in which compliance is achievable, sustainable and profitable – for many generations to come.”
Wärtsilä said it has previously partnered with the centre on a project to develop a concept for an ammonia-powered gas carrier.
The so-called NoGAPS project intends for the ship to transport ammonia as cargo and use it as a zerp-emissions fuel.
The company said it is still committed to the project, with a follow-up NoGAPS 2 project aimed at developing a design for the vessel.
Wärtsilä said an initial design package is expected to be finalised in 2022.
