Chevron Shipping, Wärtsilä Partner to Lower Methane Emissions on LNG Carriers
Chevron Shipping and Wärtsilä have partnered to convert engines on six LNG carriers from dual-fuel to spark gas operation, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering methane slip. This industry-first initiative supports Chevron's efforts to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations. The conversion project, designed to modify engines for optimized combustion, is expected to reduce methane emissions intensity of Chevron's LNG fleet. Methane, although shorter-lived in the atmosphere than CO₂, traps 25-30 times more heat over a 100-year period. The order for the first two vessels was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2024. This technology complements Wärtsilä's portfolio of solutions for reducing methane emissions from vessels, leveraging their nearly three decades of experience in LNG technology.
Chemvron Shipping e Wärtsilä hanno instaurato una partnership per convertire i motori di sei metaniere da funzionamento a doppio carburante a funzionamento a gas di accensione, con l'obiettivo di ridurre le emissioni di gas serra diminuendo la fuga di metano. Questa iniziativa, prima nel suo genere nel settore, sostiene gli sforzi di Chevron per ridurre l'intensità di carbonio delle sue operazioni. Il progetto di conversione, progettato per modificare i motori per una combustione ottimizzata, dovrebbe ridurre l'intensità delle emissioni di metano della flotta di LNG di Chevron. Il metano, sebbene abbia una vita più breve nell'atmosfera rispetto al CO₂, intrappola da 25 a 30 volte più calore nel corso di un periodo di 100 anni. L'ordine per i primi due vascelli è stato effettuato da Wärtsilä nel terzo trimestre del 2024. Questa tecnologia completa il portafoglio di soluzioni di Wärtsilä per ridurre le emissioni di metano dalle navi, sfruttando quasi tre decenni di esperienza nella tecnologia LNG.
Chemvron Shipping y Wärtsilä se han asociado para convertir los motores de seis metaneros de operación de combustible dual a operación de gas de encendido, con el objetivo de reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero disminuyendo la fuga de metano. Esta iniciativa, pionera en la industria, apoya los esfuerzos de Chevron para reducir la intensidad de carbono de sus operaciones. El proyecto de conversión, diseñado para modificar los motores para una combustión optimizada, se espera que reduzca la intensidad de las emisiones de metano de la flota de LNG de Chevron. El metano, aunque tiene una vida más corta en la atmósfera que el CO₂, atrapa entre 25 y 30 veces más calor durante un periodo de 100 años. El pedido de los dos primeros buques fue realizado por Wärtsilä en el tercer trimestre de 2024. Esta tecnología complementa el portafolio de soluciones de Wärtsilä para reducir las emisiones de metano de los buques, aprovechando casi tres décadas de experiencia en tecnología LNG.
Chevron Shipping과 Wärtsilä는 6척의 LNG 운반선 엔진을 이중 연료에서 점화 가스 작동으로 전환하기 위해 파트너십을 맺었습니다. 이는 메탄 누수를 줄여 온실 가스 배출을 감소시키기 위한 목표로 진행되고 있습니다. 이 업계 최초의 이니셔티브는 Chevron의 운영의 탄소 집약도를 줄이기 위한 노력을 지원합니다. 엔진을 최적화된 연소를 위해 수정하는 것을 목표로 하는 전환 프로젝트는 Chevron의 LNG 선대의 메탄 배출 강도를 줄이는 데 기여할 것으로 예상됩니다. 메탄은 CO₂보다 대기에서 수명이 짧지만, 100년 동안 25~30배 더 많은 열을 가두는 역할을 합니다. 첫 두 척에 대한 주문은 2024년 3분기에 Wärtsilä에 의해 접수되었습니다. 이 기술은 거의 30년의 LNG 기술 경험을 활용하여 선박의 메탄 배출을 줄이기 위한 Wärtsilä의 솔루션 포트폴리오를 보완합니다.
Chemvron Shipping et Wärtsilä se sont associés pour convertir les moteurs de six méthaniers d'une opération à double carburant à une opération à gaz d'allumage, dans le but de réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre en diminuant les pertes de méthane. Cette initiative sans précédent dans l'industrie soutient les efforts de Chevron pour réduire l'intensité carbone de ses opérations. Le projet de conversion, conçu pour modifier les moteurs afin d'optimiser la combustion, devrait réduire l'intensité des émissions de méthane de la flotte de LNG de Chevron. Le méthane, bien qu'il soit de courte durée dans l'atmosphère par rapport au CO₂, retient 25 à 30 fois plus de chaleur sur une période de 100 ans. La commande des deux premiers navires a été passée par Wärtsilä au troisième trimestre de 2024. Cette technologie complète le portefeuille de solutions de Wärtsilä pour réduire les émissions de méthane des navires, s'appuyant sur près de trois décennies d'expérience dans la technologie LNG.
Chemvron Shipping und Wärtsilä haben sich zusammengeschlossen, um die Motoren von sechs LNG-Tankern von Zweitreibstoff- auf Gaszündungsbetrieb umzustellen, mit dem Ziel, die Treibhausgasemissionen zu reduzieren und den Methanverlust zu verringern. Diese branchenweit erste Initiative unterstützt Chevrons Bemühungen, die Kohlenstoffintensität ihrer Betriebe zu senken. Das Umstellungsprojekt, das darauf ausgelegt ist, die Motoren für eine optimierte Verbrennung umzubauen, soll die Methanemissionen der LNG-Flotte von Chevron reduzieren. Methan hat eine kürzere Lebensdauer in der Atmosphäre als CO₂, speichert aber über einen Zeitraum von 100 Jahren 25 bis 30 Mal mehr Wärme. Der Auftrag für die ersten beiden Schiffe wurde von Wärtsilä im 3. Quartal 2024 erteilt. Diese Technologie ergänzt das Portfolio von Wärtsilä zur Reduzierung von Methanemissionen aus Schiffen und nutzt deren nahezu drei Jahrzehnte Erfahrung in der LNG-Technologie.
- Partnership with Wärtsilä to convert engines on six LNG carriers, potentially reducing methane emissions
- Industry-first initiative supporting Chevron's carbon intensity reduction efforts
- Potential improvement in engine efficiency through optimized combustion process
- Conversion to one engine per carrier, potentially limiting overall impact
- Implementation timeline not specified, delaying potential benefits
- Costs associated with engine conversions not disclosed
Insights
This partnership between Chevron Shipping and Wärtsilä represents a significant investment in environmental technology for the maritime industry. While specific financial details are not disclosed, the conversion of engines on six LNG carriers is likely a substantial capital expenditure for Chevron. However, this move aligns with the growing trend of ESG-focused investments in the energy sector.
From an investor's perspective, this initiative could potentially enhance Chevron's long-term value proposition. By reducing methane emissions, the company may mitigate future regulatory risks and improve its sustainability profile, which could attract ESG-conscious investors. Additionally, improved engine efficiency could lead to reduced operational costs over time, positively impacting Chevron's bottom line in the long run.
The conversion from dual-fuel to spark gas operation is a significant technological advancement in reducing methane slip from LNG carriers. Methane, despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan, has a 25-30 times higher global warming potential than CO₂ over a century. This initiative could substantially lower the overall greenhouse gas impact of Chevron's LNG fleet.
The project's success could set a new industry standard for addressing methane emissions in maritime transport. It's particularly noteworthy that this involves retrofitting existing vessels, demonstrating a practical approach to improving the environmental performance of the current global fleet. This technology could be a crucial stepping stone in the maritime industry's transition towards more sustainable operations.
This collaboration between Chevron Shipping and Wärtsilä marks an industry-first innovation in LNG carrier technology. The move to convert existing dual-fuel engines to spark gas operation demonstrates a proactive approach to emission reduction without the need for complete fleet replacement. This could potentially accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies across the maritime sector.
For Chevron, this initiative could enhance its competitive position in the LNG transport market, where environmental performance is becoming increasingly important. It also showcases the company's commitment to technological innovation and environmental stewardship. The success of this project could influence future vessel designs and retrofit programs across the industry, potentially creating new market opportunities for both Chevron and Wärtsilä.
LNG, when burned as a fuel, results in small amounts of methane that may not fully combust leading to methane escaping into the atmosphere, referred to as methane slip. Methane exists in the atmosphere for a shorter time than CO₂ but traps approximately 25–30* times more heat over a 100-year period. Addressing methane emissions is a key part of lowering carbon intensity. Wärtsilä’s 50DF to SG conversion project is designed to modify the engines in service to operate as SG, using spark ignition versus diesel pilot fuel to initiate combustion. This enables a more optimised combustion process, thereby reducing the methane slip and improving efficiency.
“Chevron Shipping aims to reduce methane emissions intensity of our LNG fleet in support of a lower carbon future,” says Barbara Pickering, president of Chevron Shipping. “We are pleased to collaborate with Wärtsilä in this industry first. This demonstrates steps we are taking to help reduce the carbon intensity of marine transportation."
“This innovative project represents a notable step forward on the road to advancing lower carbon fleets,” comments Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine & executive vice president at Wärtsilä Corporation. “Wärtsilä has an extensive track-record in reducing methane slip from LNG-fuelled engines, not only as newbuild solutions, but also through retrofitting existing installations.”
This new technology complements Wärtsilä's extensive portfolio of solutions aimed at reducing methane emissions from vessels. With nearly three decades of experience in LNG technology, Wärtsilä is providing market leading performance both with the dual fuel flexibility provided by the DF engine, as well as with the single fuel SG engine.
About Chevron:
Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever cleaner energy is essential to enabling human progress. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. We aim to grow our oil and gas business, lower the carbon intensity of our operations and grow lower carbon businesses in renewable fuels, carbon capture and offsets, hydrogen and other emerging technologies. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.
About Wärtsilä:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled
www.wartsila.com
About Wärtsilä Marine:
Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in power, propulsion, and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. We develop industry-leading technologies, advancing maritime's transition to new fuels. We support building an end-to-end digital ecosystem where all vessels and ports are connected. Ultimately, Wärtsilä Marine is driving the shipping industry forward on its journey towards a decarbonised and sustainable future through our broad portfolio of engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, exhaust treatment, shaft line solutions and digital technologies, as well as integrated powertrain systems. Our offering, which is underpinned by our performance-based agreements, upgrades, lifecycle solutions, decarbonisation services, as well as an unrivalled global network of maritime expertise, delivers the efficiency, reliability, safety, and environmental performance needed to support a safe and sustainable future for our customers, our communities, and our planet.
www.wartsila.com/marine
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Christine Dobbyn
External Affairs Advisor, Chevron
Tel: +1 281-906-1499
christinedobbyn@chevron.com
Isabella Alder
Positioning and Strategic Communications Manager Wärtsilä Marine
Tel: +44 (0) 7792 681 757
marine.media@wartsila.com
Source: Chevron Corporation
FAQ
What is the purpose of Chevron's (CVX) partnership with Wärtsilä for LNG carriers?
How many Chevron (CVX) LNG carriers will undergo engine conversion?
When was the order for the first two Chevron (CVX) vessel conversions booked by Wärtsilä?
What is methane slip and why is Chevron (CVX) addressing it?
