When commercial bulk fleet owners look to upgrade to a new marine engine, Wärtsilä is always the prime consideration for all good reasons. If robust power efficiency for the propulsion system and emission control is on your mind, Wärtsilä 20 has much to offer. The new-age engine provides much more than the 2011 DF (dual-fuel) edition.
Here we highlight how the cutting-edge features of the modern version of the Wärtsilä 20, its DF models, and retrofit integration benefit the vessel performance and compliance with maritime standards.
Wärtsilä 20 – An Overview
If you are looking to upgrade to a Wärtsilä 20 in 2025 or in the future, there are significant benefits in store for your vessel’s engine health and overall performance. The newer version is a lightweight, compact module offering maximum fuel efficiency. It provides the flexibility for higher payload configuration. The latest models are renamed as Wärtsilä 20E and Auxpac 20E. Auxpac 20E is an excellent substitute for the brand’s Auxpac 20D3/D4 auxiliary generator set, which features a heavy and intricate mechanism and requires spare parts. Switching to the newer version can reduce labor costs and expensive maintenance.
Wärtsilä 20 operates at 1200 rpm and offers a 220 kW cylinder output, making it the ideal solution for merchant ships, tugs, fishing crafts, cargo vessels, offshore vessels, and other large carriers.
Modern Automation System
The new-age models feature an advanced automation system (UNIC 2) regulated via a touchscreen digital display. It enhances cylinder output in modules with 6, 8, and 9 cylinders. These models have a larger dimension (30.3cm – 37.2cm) to accommodate the main cabinet, which contains the display unit. Both diesel and DF models have a hydraulic actuator-controlled wastegate.
Customizable for Various Powering Needs
The Wärtsilä 20 marine engines can serve in diverse roles to supply energy throughout the vessel. From auxiliary engines to generator sets, these engines offer considerable flexibility in integrating with various machinery in the engine room, providing direct mechanical propulsion. However, it performs excellently for auxiliary applications.
Compliance with Emission Control Regulations
With basic installation, these engines comply with the rules outlined in Annex IV of the IMO Tier II regulations, as established by the MARPOL 73/78 Convention. Wärtsilä offers several emission control machines, such as the SCR and the NOR NOx reducer, to make your engine compatible with stringent maritime rules such as IMO Tier III.
Smart Integration to the Advanced Fuel Injection System
Wärtsilä Corporation constantly upgrades its existing equipment and components to boost efficiency, performance, reliability, and sustainability. The advanced fuel injection equipment, combined with an oil-cooling system, extends the nozzle’s lifecycle. Additionally, the mechanism reduces total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions by up to 50% for diesel mode operations at 10% load. The injection technology also makes your existing Wärtsilä 20 and its DF models compatible for future upgrades.
Switch Fuel Modes without Power Loss
Like all other dual-fuel marine engines from the brand, the Wärtsilä 20DF enables vessels to switch between fuel modes without wasting energy or compromising engine speed. The engine operates on HFO, LFO, liquid biofuels, or LNG. Ships equipped with best-in-class bunkering infrastructure are well-suited for utilizing LNG as a clean energy solution with these engines.
Real-time Expert Insight Service
All Wärtsilä marine engines on voyage are monitored 24/7 by their in-house Expert Centre, based in Vaasa, Finland, for optimized maintenance services. With the Expert Insight Services integrated into the onboard machinery, vessel operators receive real-time updates about issues as soon as they arise. Marine engineers utilize state-of-the-art diagnostics and AI mechanisms to monitor the status of each equipment part closely. The combined analysis system quickly detects any unusual activity or deviation from precise functioning.
The engineers at the control room alerted the vessel owners about the issue via Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight Collaboration app. Their combined efforts helped the Altera Infrastructure avoid a major turbocharger failure in 2020 with their DF-powered e-shuttle tanker, the Aurora Spirit. It was only a minor, worn-out bearing problem that came to light after the technicians conducted a detailed diagnosis. Replacing the faulty bearing early helped the vessel owner prevent a fatal accident and the cost of purchasing a new turbo system.
Wärtsilä 20 with SCR Retrofit for Futuristic Canadian Bulk Fishing Carrier
Wärtsilä Corporation seals the deal again with North American shellfish giant Clearwater Seafoods. The Finnish marine engine manufacturer was officially booked to deliver the Wärtsilä 20 main engine order and its avant-garde Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system in Q2 2025. The combined integration will pair with the radical marine machinery in a 40.9-meter lobster fishing vessel. The watercraft is currently under construction at the Denmark-based Hvide Sande Shipyard.
The new state-of-the-art fishing craft will resume operations along the North Atlantic fishing routes after delivery. Clearwater Seafoods has several vessels equipped with Wärtsilä engines and onboard emission control equipment. Tony Jabbour, VP of Global Supply Chain, Clearwater Seafoods, was praised for the cutting-edge performance of the previous installations across several carriers and is hopeful of an ongoing partnership with the marine engine supplier.
The peerless Wärtsilä integrations in existing Clearwater Seafood vessels were a decisive factor when awarding the contract again to the Finnish marine technology giant. Wärtsilä has a wide-ranging portfolio worldwide, delivering cutting-edge solutions for the fishing industry. Wärtsilä’s customized solutions, which cater to the unique zonal maritime laws and ecological requirements across international and local areas, offer convenience for vessel owners across various industries.
David Birkwald Thorstensen, Head of Sales at Hvide Sande Shipyard, noted that the integration of the Wärtsilä engine and SCR system into the state-of-the-art fishing vessel design and its onboard equipment sets a benchmark for future carriers in the fishing industry. The combination is ideal for achieving 100% fleet uptime and optimal propulsion efficiency.
Wärtsilä 20 was an obvious choice for the vessel manufacturer and Clearwater Seafoods due to its unmatched fuel efficiency, performance, sustainability, operational safety, and compliance with the North Atlantic’s conditions. The lightweight and compact design, combined with fuel flexibility and adaptability across main propulsion and genset applications, offers enormous scope and reliability for fleet operators. The SCR system is a significant addition that optimizes comprehensive engine performance and exhaust after-treatment module.
Are you interested in upgrading to a Wärtsilä 20 marine engine?
Alfa Marine Spare Parts has served buyers worldwide, catering to a range of needs, from marine engine retrofits to replacement parts and components. From genuine engines to generator sets, turbo systems, and overhaul kits, we offer an extensive range of products from renowned brands, including Caterpillar (Cat), Cummins, Perkins, Scania, Yanmar, and others.
Please reach out with the required part number you intend to purchase, and our team will provide a custom quote and special offers. Visit our store gallery to explore the entire range, or send an email.
