Maritime technology group Wartsila has joined H4PERION, an EU-funded project aimed at advancing zero-carbon long-distance shipping through hydrogen and biomethane technologies.
Led by the University of Vaasa in Finland, the four-year project will focus on improving engine efficiency and reducing GHG emissions, the firm said in an email statement on Wednesday.
Wartsila said it will develop a combustion concept enabling internal combustion engines to operate on hydrogen and biomethane blends, with the long-term goal of achieving 100% hydrogen operation in open-sea conditions.
The company will also develop a catalyst system designed to reduce methane slip and other emissions.
Selected technologies will be demonstrated onboard Aurora Botnia, operated by Wasaline between Finland and Sweden.
The H4PERION project runs until May 2030 and includes 16 partners from seven European countries across the maritime value chain.
