Technology group Wärtsilä and international consulting and engineering company Elomatic have signed a licensing and cooperation agreement covering the intellectual property rights, technology, and use of trademark of Elomatic’s unique Elogrid solution. Elogrid is a transverse thruster grid technology, which is designed to reduce vessels’ fuel consumption while also enhancing thrusters’ performance. This 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. This unleashes full thruster capacity more efficiently, with minimised noise and vibration. The signing took place in December 2024.

“Wärtsilä and Elomatic have a long cooperation history around various technologies, and we are delighted to continue this partnership. 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,” says Rami Hirsimäki, Senior Vice President Marine, Elomatic.

Under the terms of this agreement Wärtsilä will have the rights to sell, manufacture, install, and maintain the licensed technology within the sales areas agreed in the agreement. The licensing and cooperation agreement will be in effect for 12 years with intermediate check points. During this time, the solution will be offered to Wärtsilä’s customers as ‘ELOGRID™ by Wärtsilä’. When combining Elomatic’s Elogrid with Wärtsilä’s thrusters, the hydrodynamic competencies of both companies are brought together into a single offering. All Elogrids by Wärtsilä are patented and designed by Elomatic to deliver optimal vessel performance for operators.

“Together with Wärtsilä’s expertise in transverse thruster technology, we hope this collaboration will open market opportunities for Elogrid,” comments Lauri Tiainen, Director Thruster and Propulsion Control Systems, 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.”

The Elogrid technology is suitable for most vessel types fitted with transverse thrusters. However, most benefits are gained by vessels with relatively large thrusters, and which sail at moderate or higher speeds. In addition to enhanced thruster performance, some vessels, such as cruise ships and ferries, benefit from increased passenger and crew comfort thanks to the reduced noise and vibration levels made possible by Elogrid.