Wärtsilä Converts Engines on Three Chevron LNG Carriers to Cut Methane Emissions

Technology supplier Wärtsilä has completed the conversion of one engine on each of three LNG carriers operated by Chevron Transport Corporation, with the aim of reducing methane emissions from LNG fuel. The company announced the news in a statement released on Tuesday.

The retrofit converts the Wärtsilä 50DF engines from dual-fuel operation to spark gas ignition, replacing pilot diesel fuel ignition. According to the company, an electrically controlled pre-combustion chamber valve optimises the combustion process, reducing unburned methane released into the atmosphere and improving engine efficiency.

Wärtsilä estimates that the conversion can cut methane emissions by up to 1.1% of fuel consumed, based on an IMO-weighted average under the E2 cycle. The solution is available for vessels fitted with existing Wärtsilä 50DF engines used in diesel-electric propulsion, a category that covers most LNG carriers. Trade News noted that the three converted vessels belong to Shell and are operated by Chevron Transport.

Three more vessels are scheduled to undergo the conversion later in 2026 and during 2027, bringing the programme to a total of six LNG carriers. Barbara Pickering, President of Chevron Shipping, said that moving towards lower-emission shipping will require both technological innovation and industry collaboration. For his part, Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä Corporation, noted that the project supports the wider efforts of the maritime sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through technological development and collaboration among industry stakeholders.