TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 8
New Wärtsilä Hybrid Centre will
boost sustainable shipping
The new Wärtsilä Hybrid Centre
will provide customers with the
opportunity to learn more about
the Wärtsilä HY hybrid power
module
Credits : wartsila.com
T
he technology group Wärtsilä has inaugurated its
new Hybrid Centre, the first of its kind in the world.
The facility represents an innovative concept that
will enable further development and deployment of
the Wärtsilä HY hybrid power module, while at the
same time providing customers with the possibility
to experience the benefits of the Wärtsilä HY. It will
also be used to train crews and provide hands-
on experience for technicians. The inauguration
ceremony took place on October 17.
The centre, located in Trieste, Italy, is the world’s first real-scale hybrid
centre comprising an engine, batteries, power drives, a propeller load
simulator utilising an electric motor, a power take off/in motor generator,
together with the overall energy management system, the ‘brain’ of the
Wärtsilä HY. It will be capable of simulating operational data from the
field, which will thus enable optimisation of the hybrid system to reach
unprecedented levels.
The investment will, by providing owners and operators the chance to
experience and familiarise themselves with the Wärtsilä HY, accelerate
the introduction of hybrid technologies to the marine market, thereby
boosting the environmental sustainability of shipping. Successful testing
has already been carried out on Wärtsilä’s patented electric start-up
procedure, utilising the power from batteries to deliver a smokeless start
of the main engine.
“Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine approach to delivering greater efficiencies,
improved safety, and enhanced sustainability is once again
demonstrated with this innovative Hybrid Centre. This unique concept
clearly shows the commitment we have to leading the industry towards
a cleaner and more cost-effective future,” says Stefan Wiik, Vice President,
Marine Power Solutions, Wärtsilä.
In addition to being used to validate hybrid technologies, the centre
will also welcome customer groups to learn in very practical terms the
technical aspects of the Wärtsilä HY, as well as the value adding benefits
it offers. Additionally, the energy generated by the centre will be fed
to the factory grid to provide sustainable power to the company’s
production facilities. www.wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete
lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By
emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data
analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic
performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In
2017, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately
18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200
locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is
listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
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