Wärtsilä has joined the EU-funded H4PERION project to help develop zero-carbon technologies for long-distance shipping, focusing on hydrogen-powered engine solutions for maritime vessels.
The four-year Horizon Europe initiative is led by the University of Vaasa in Finland and brings together 16 partners from seven European countries.
As part of the project, Wärtsilä will develop a combustion concept allowing marine engines to operate safely and efficiently on a blend of hydrogen and biomethane, with the long-term goal of achieving up to 100% hydrogen operation in open-sea conditions.
The company will also develop catalyst technology aimed at reducing methane slip and other emissions to lower the overall lifecycle carbon footprint of vessels.
Sea trials will be carried out onboard the ferry Aurora Botnia operating between Finland and Sweden, while identical full-scale engine testing will also take place in laboratory conditions.
According to Wärtsilä, the project will support the development of safer and more practical sustainable fuel applications for shipping, while helping accelerate the industry’s transition toward net-zero emissions.
The H4PERION project runs until May 2030 and includes partners across ship design, engine development, vessel operations, safety, and academic research, including American Bureau of Shipping and MEYER WERFT
