Wärtsilä introduces “small but mighty” high speed engine

The new Wärtsilä 14 high-speed engine aims to set a benchmark standard based on its compact design, and financial, operational, and environmental benefits

NOVEMBER 29, 2018 — Introduced at this week’s International Workboat Show, the Wärtsilä 14 is a high-speed, compact engine designed to fit requirements for limited space and weight, lower capital expense and compliance with current and future global emissions regulations while providing customers with improved efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Engineered to support a wide range of applications, the Wärtsilä 14 serves both as main propulsion and auxiliary genset and is well suited for hybrid installations

The engine is available in 12- and 16-cylinder configurations, delivering a power output of 755 to 1,340 kW in mechanical propulsion applications, and 675 to 1,155 kWe in auxiliary and diesel-electric configurations.

The engine is aimed at vessels where power to weight ratio, fuel-type, efficiency, safety and environmental compliance are key considerations. Examples of such operating profiles include tugs, fishing vessels, offshore service vessels, small ferries, and the merchant auxiliary market.

This first Wärtsilä-branded high speed engine has been developed in close cooperation with Liebherr, one of the largest construction machine manufacturers in the world and a leading technology provider for a number of other industry verticals. First deliveries of the Wärtsilä 14 are planned for the latter part of 2019. Liebherr will be responsible for product development, classification and manufacturing of the engines. The new engine type will be backed by Wärtsilä’s global lifecycle support and services network.

“We are very proud of this small but mighty high-speed engine,” states Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Marine Power Solutions, Wärtsilä, “because it heralds entry into a new, strategically important market for our brand, it reinforces our global position as leader of fully integrated technologies and hybrid solutions and bears testimony to the tangible benefits of our close cooperation with Liebherr”.

New tug design

Wärtsilä has also announced its HYTug 40 design and concept. A smaller version of the HYTug launched in 2017 and designed for shallow draft operation, it features two Wärtsilä 14 engines along with a hybrid propulsion solution that delivers various flexible operating settings, including a zero-emissions mode. The HYTug 40 is characterized by low maintenance and operating costs, in full compliance with global environmental regulations. When fitted with a Wärtsilä NOx reduction system (NOR), it also comfortably meets IMO Tier III requirements.

Wärtsilä is confident that the Wärtsilä 14 will set a new technological benchmark for both main and auxiliary propulsion solutions in the market, as the bar is set to deliver tangible financial, operational, and environmental benefits – enhancements that are key to achieving and maintaining profitable operations for ship owners and operators around the world.