Finnish technology company Wärtsilä has launched an upgraded version of the Wärtsilä 31 diesel engine to enable better power output.
The new diesel engine offers an enhanced power-to-size ratio within the same physical footprint, stated the company, translating into a reduced cost of ownership and maintenance expenses.
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Wärtsilä 31 is a medium-speed four-stroke marine engine that is available in cylinder configurations from eight to 16.
It is used on different vessel types such as fishing vessels, ice breakers, ferries, cruise vessels, cable layers, and catamarans.
This engine is also claimed to hold the highest power per cylinder for engines of this bore size.
The power upgrade of the engine will raise the existing 4.9MW-9.8MW output range to 5.2MW-10.4MW with 650kW per cylinder.
The economic fuel usage of the new engine is said to lead to reduced levels of exhaust gas emissions.
Wärtsilä product management director Lars Anderson said: “The Wärtsilä 31 is already the best engine in its class, and this development widens its market advantage even further.
“By extending its performance, we are making a real contribution to greater sustainability and supporting our commitment to a decarbonised future.”
The company already received orders for seven new upgraded engines. It is planning the first deliveries of the upgraded engine in the first half of this year.
Last month, Wärtsilä announced plans to streamline its voyage business offering, a move that could result in up to 300 redundancies.
