Page 40: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Nov/Dec 2025)

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TECH FEATURE DESIGNING OFFSHORE FLEETS approach to alternative fuels is an important part of its tenance intervals, and enhance redundancy. When inte- long-term value. grated with DC grid systems and variable-speed operation

For fnanciers, owners, and charterers, these capabilities on medium speed engines, such confgurations can deliver are increasingly important. Demonstrating compliance measurable improvements in energy effciency.

readiness, operational effciency, and the capacity for fu- These trends are underpinned by a broader shift towards ture upgrades helps to secure long-term employment and integrated design thinking. Rather than treating engines, maintain asset value. thrusters, and digital tools as independent systems, this market should be creating unifed power and control eco- systems. This approach supports smoother operation across

Pathways to Resilience

Putting this into practice requires collaboration between variable conditions and simplifes future upgrades, whether designers, integrators, and operators. Wärtsilä’s work in they involve energy storage, software, or alternative fuels. modularity, fuel fexibility, and data-led lifecycle manage- Modularity adds another layer of resilience. Systems ment supports that transition. built for upgrade or replacement can adapt to market or

Engine development across the industry is moving regulatory change without extensive redesign. This ap- towards platforms that can operate on a range of fuels, proach also enables faster and simpler conversions, helping such as methanol and ethanol, without requiring signif- owners return vessels to service sooner and reduce periods cant hardware changes. The aim is to design power sys- of non-hire. In this way, integration and modularity act tems that can adapt as fuel infrastructure and regulations as safeguards, helping owners manage uncertainty in fuel evolve, reducing the likelihood of early obsolescence. supply, emissions policy, and vessel utilization.

Wärtsilä’s current work refects this direction, with en- The offshore energy market will continue to experience gine and system designs that support multiple fuel path- change, while the drive to decarbonize will likely remain ways and hybrid confgurations. constant, despite battles being had over this matter.

Hybrid propulsion and energy storage are now central The owners who succeed will not be those who try to to offshore vessel design, particularly for operators active predict every shift but those who prepare for variability. across both wind and oil and gas markets. Suppliers are de- Vessels designed around hybrid power, modular architec- veloping solutions that combine batteries with optimized ture, and digital integration will be able to adjust to new engine loading to improve fuel effciency, extend main- requirements and remain competitive over their lifetime.

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