Wärtsilä has opened its new €250 million Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa, Finland, with its research aims being the decarbonisation of the energy and marine sectors, focusing on “the development of green technologies using sustainable fuels and digital technologies.”

At the Hub are “a modern fuel laboratory, flexible technology and engine testing facilities, as well as a state-of-the-art production system with a high level of automation”, with over 1500 staff employed. Collaboration and knowledge sharing is a theme of the new facility, with customers, partner companies and academia invited to participate in testing and the validation of ideas.

The company already has engines running on carbon-neutral fuels, this year releasing its 32 Methanol engine, and next year an ammonia concept engine will be ready, while a hydrogen concept engine is expected in 2025.