Wärtsilä eyes ethanol-powered vessels in Brazil

Wärtsilä, a Finnish company famous for its marine technology, eyes the golden opportunity of taking the ethanol-powered vessels to Brazil, says Jorge Alcaide, managing director in Brazil of this company. Because Brazil belongs to one of the largest producers in the world of ethanol, this company sees huge potential for developing ethanol-powered ships, reports BNamericas.

“This is a great opportunity for Brazil, as it is one of the largest ethanol producers in the world,” Alcaide said. He highlighted the growing importance of clean fuels as part of global efforts to reduce pollution and fight climate change.

Wärtsilä has signed a joint project with Compagnie Maritime Monégasque (CMM) to build the first ethanol-fuelled support vessels in the world. Ethanol-fuelled support vessels – for use offshore in oil and gas – are being constructed under the joint project between Wärtsilä and CMM. The company has already tested engines at the lab in Finland which can be used in several fuels, including ethanol, diesel, biodiesel, and methanol.

CMM has secured preliminary financial approval from the Brazilian Federal Merchant Marine Fund to construct 10 of these vessels in Brazil. As for the CEO of CMM, Christophe Vancauwenbergh, he says that building ships there will reduce emissions resulting in a less sulfurous future for maritime operations.

This push for ethanol-based vessels dovetails with the latest innovation by Brazil’s biofuel industry: In September, Brazil’s congress passed the so-called “fuel of the future” bill in an effort to help foster sustainable fuels. Analysts think this new law only boosts demand for biofuels and promises greater certainty to investors.

It is in this context that Finnish technology giant Wärtsilä has shown an interest in Brazil as the country is making its stand stronger regarding such a shift toward cleaner energy sources, especially within the maritime sector.

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