Wärtsilä, EBDG join forces on methanol-fueled power barge

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has entered into a collaboration agreement with US-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) to further develop EBDG’s clean harbor alternative mobile power (CHAMP) barge design.

The floating mobile power platform has been designed to function in ports across the US in accordance with the specific zero-emission plans and requirements established by local authorities and regulations.

When delivered, CHAMP will use methanol-fuelled power generated by the Wärtsilä 32 Methanol engine. This engine helps reduce emissions, thus meeting the decarbonization requirements of most ports, according to the Finnish firm.

Furthermore, the engine will be complemented by Wärtsilä’s complete methanol fuel handling system, Wärtsilä MethanolPac, as well as its emission after-treatment system, Wärtsilä NOx Reducer.

“We are pleased to partner with Wärtsilä in bringing this innovative patent pending solution to the market. The CHAMP barge project represents a significant stride toward tackling the most daunting challenges in curbing port emissions, all while offering the adaptability of multi-megawatt power solutions,” said Mike Complita, Principal in Charge at EBDG.

“Wärtsilä’s experience with methanol-fuelled marine engines is unmatched, and we continue to develop future-fuel capabilities to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime operations. This collaboration with Elliott Bay Design Group demonstrates both companies’ commitment to providing practical and sustainable solutions for the maritime industry,” commented Joel Thigpen, General Manager, New Build, Wärtsilä Marine.

CHAMP will provide a power range from 6 to 16 MW, using green methanol as its source. It will address the need to reduce port emissions by enabling cold ironing for vessels, whether they are docked or anchored, for two weeks or longer before refuelling becomes necessary. Being a US Coast Guard inspected vessel, the barge will also eliminate the need for shoreside permits or infrastructure and its compact size ensures the flexibility of easy repositioning to meet operational needs.

Wärtsilä and EBDG have earlier collaborated on projects where Wärtsilä’s power and propulsion products are well-suited for specific vessel designs.

Last year, EBDG teamed up with partners to develop a hydrogen-powered inland towboat for operation in the U.S. The 27-meter towboat, Hydrogen One, designed to push barges along inland waterways, is intended for deployment on the vast 14,500-mile waterway network that extends from the Port of New Orleans, operating along the Mississippi River and its many tributaries.