Wärtsilä has signed a Decarbonization Agreement with Raízen, an integrated energy company with a broad portfolio of renewables, to explore the potential use of ethanol as a marine fuel and to advance the development of the first ethanol-fuelled seagoing vessel.

Under the terms of the agreement, Wärtsilä will conduct technology tests with ethanol as a primary fuel at Wärtsilä Sustainable Fuels engine laboratories. 

The power system technologies provider will also support Raízen in discussions with ship designers and shipowners, and provide guidance on regulations and compliance requirements for the use of cellulosic ethanol as fuel.