CMM and Wartsila reach agreement to develop first ethanol-powered PSVs

This is an automated translation of the original release published in Portuguese.

By CMM and Wärtsilä

August 21, 2024

Compagnie Maritime Monégasque (CMM) and Wartsila have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aim of building the world’s first ethanol-powered offshore support vessels (PSVs). The partnership highlights both companies’ commitment to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry.

This pioneering initiative is based on a collaborative design concept that utilizes Wartsila’s versatile multifuel engine platform, the Wartsila 32. In a significant breakthrough in February this year, Wartsila successfully conducted tests at its laboratory in Vaasa, Finland, using ethanol as the primary fuel in a full-scale Wartsila 32 engine. These groundbreaking tests confirmed the engine’s ability to operate efficiently on a variety of fuels, including diesel, biodiesel, heavy fuel oil (HFO), methanol and ethanol.

CMM has obtained preliminary financial approval from the Brazilian merchant marine fund (FMM) to build 10 offshore support vessels (OSVs) in Brazil. The incorporation of ethanol into the operational strategy of these vessels is in line with CMM’s vision of developing a cleaner fuel fleet for operations both in Brazil and internationally.

The agreement between CMM and Wartsila establishes an accelerated timeline for the construction of the first vessel, marking a significant step towards the industrial application of the Wartsila 32 multifuel platform. Together, the two companies are poised to lead the maritime industry towards a more sustainable future.

“We are excited to collaborate with Wartsila to build the first ethanol-powered vessel in the maritime sector. Our goal is to build these vessels in Brazil, ensuring that our customers can achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, presenting a viable alternative for a greener future in the maritime sector,” says Christophe Vancauwenbergh, CEO of CMM.

“With shipping companies under increasing pressure to decarbonize their operations, Wartsila remains dedicated to developing and testing low and zero-carbon marine fuel technologies and solutions. We are fully aligned with CMM’s vision to accelerate the maritime industry towards net-zero emissions shipping. This agreement further reinforces our commitment to innovative solutions that enable a more sustainable future,” said Roger Holm, President of Wartsila Marine and Executive Vice President of Wartsila Corporation.