Wärtsilä’s has upgraded its 4-stroke Wärtsilä 31 diesel engine design.
Popular with ferries and cruise ships, the engine was enhanced by raising the power output. The new version delivers an increased power to size ratio within the same physical footprint.
The Wärtsilä 31 is claimed to have the highest power per cylinder for engines of this bore size.
Its power upgrade has resulted in the current range of 4.9 to 9.8 MW, rising to between 5.2 to 10.4 MW with 650 kW per cylinder.
This power increase gives customers the option to select fewer cylinders, thereby reducing the required engine room space, as well as lowering maintenance requirements.
The engine was originally introduced in 2015 and was recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. In addition to its high efficiency, the engine’s economic fuel consumption results in lower levels of exhaust gas emissions.
“With this power upgrade we are delivering significant added value to our customers,” explained Lars Anderson, Wärtsilä’s Director of Product Management.
“The Wärtsilä 31 is already the best engine in its class, and this development widens its market advantage even further. By extending its performance, we are making a real contribution to greater sustainability and supporting our commitment to a de-carbonised future.”
The first deliveries of the upgraded engine will take place during the first half of 2023. Already, seven of the higher power output engines have been ordered.
