Finland tests Bio LNG in Coast Guard vessel

Written by Nick Blenkey
Longpatro; vessel at quayside

The Turva seen here being fueled with Bio LNG [Image: © Finnish Border Guard]

Wärtsilä is cooperating with the Finnish Border Guard in the testing of Bio-LNG as fuel for the 96 meter long Coast Guard patrol vessel Turva. The aim is to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lessen the impact on global warming.

The Turva is fitted with Wärtsilä dual-fuel engines and has been supported with a Wärtsilä maintenance agreement since its launch in 2014. The Bio LNG fuel is being supplied by Gasum, a Finnish state-owned biogas refiner.

After close evaluation of the Bio LNG fuel specifications provided by Gasum, Wärtsilä is confident that it represents a viable fuel choice for the multi-fuel capability of the Wärtsilä engines. Following this evaluation, the Finnish Border Guard opted to proceed with the testing program.

“The strategy for the Border Guard’s fleet of patrol vessels is to switch to environmentally sustainable fuels wherever possible. Testing the Bio LNG in the Turva is an important step forward in fulfilling this strategy,” says Commander Marko Aheristo of the Finnish Border Guard.

“Wärtsilä is investing heavily in the development of technology for alternative clean fuels that can drive decarbonization throughout the shipping industry,” says Juha Kytölä, R&D and Engineering, Wärtsilä Marine Power. “We have developed our engine technology to be compatible with the use of such fuels. LNG is already broadly accepted as a viable marine fuel, and we see Bio LNG as a natural next step. We are, therefore, extremely supportive of this testing program.”

Bio LNG is a 100% renewable fuel that can reduce CO2 emissions over its life cycle by up to 90% compared to conventional fuel. It emits no particulate matter (PM), and close to zero nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx).

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