Marine technology group Wärtsilä has announced it has received marine sector commercial certification for compliance with the EU’s Stage V standards.
Introduced in 2020, the Stage V legislation puts further restrictions on non-road engines and equipment, including stricter limits on emissions, with a focus on the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOX ) and particulate matter (PM).
Given to Wärtsilä in September 2021, the certification applies to the marine company’s Wärtsilä 14 engine and its exhaust aftertreatment system. The Stage V certification is a requirement for all engines powering vessels within European inland waterways – estimated to be 17,500 ships at present.
Two new passenger ferries are being built by Shiptec for Swiss company CGN and will feature the certified Wärtsilä 14 engine. The vessels will carry out operations on a route across Lake Geneva between Switzerland and France, with the first ferry scheduled to begin operations in December 2022.
“This certification is an important step in Wärtsilä’s commitment to promoting greater environmental sustainability for shipping, and to achieving a decarbonized maritime sector,” commented Johan Penninga, an account manager at Wärtsilä Marine Power. “The fact that the Wärtsilä 14 marine engine has been so recognized is clear evidence of the technical developments achieved in support of these commitments.”
Complementing the Wärtsilä 14 engine is a new high-speed engine version of the company’s NOX Reducer (NOR) system. This utilizes selective catalytic reduction technology and a diesel particulate filter. Following a successful demonstration of the required performance and functionality by TÜV Nord, final type approval was issued by Generaldirektion Wasserstrassen und Schifffahrt (GDWS).