By
Alex Smith |
Technology group Wärtsilä and international consulting and engineering company Elomatic have signed a licencing and cooperation agreement covering the intellectual property rights, technology and use of the trademark of the Elogrid solution.
Elogrid is a transverse thruster grid technology, which is designed to reduce vessels’ fuel consumption while also enhancing thrusters’ performance. The technology improves both the water flow along the hull lines once a vessel is sailing as well as the water flow into the tunnel when the thrusters are in use. According to Wärtsilä, this allows thruster capacity to be used more efficiently, with minimised noise and vibration.
The Elogrid technology is suitable for most vessel types fitted with transverse thrusters. However, Wärtsilä suggests that the most significant benefits are gained by vessels with large thrusters which sail at moderate or higher speeds. Cruise ships and ferries may also see increased passenger and crew comfort due to the reduced noise and vibration levels.
“Wärtsilä and Elomatic have a long cooperation history around various technologies, and we are delighted to continue this partnership,” Rami Hirsimäki, senior vice president marine at Elomatic. “Wärtsilä is a respected global player in the marine industry and will help expand market reach for Elogrid. Together, our companies can more effectively bring this innovative solution to the market and support decarbonisation efforts of the global vessel fleet.”
The agreement will allow Wärtsilä to sell and install Elogrid for up to 12 years
Under the agreement, Wärtsilä will have the rights to sell, manufacture, install and maintain the licensed technology within the sales area agreed. The agreement will be in effect for 12 years with intermediate check points. Elomatic’s Elogrid will be brought together in a single offering with Wärtsilä’s thrusters and offered to Wärtsilä’s customers as ‘ELOGRID by Wärtsilä’.
“Together with Wärtsilä’s expertise in transverse thruster technology, we hope this collaboration will open market opportunities for Elogrid,” said Lauri Tiainen, director thruster and propulsion control systems at Wärtsilä Marine. “Owners and operators are having to face increasing operational costs and, at the same time, comply with ever more stringent environmental regulations. By saving fuel and increasing efficiency, both of which reduce emissions, Elogrid solution can support Wärtsilä’s customers with addressing these challenges.”