Technology group Wärtsilä reinforces its ‘Set for 30’ decarbonisation targets by committing to a new target of reducing 25% of direct suppliers’ greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This target focuses on Wärtsilä’s Tier 1 direct suppliers and covers their scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions related to deliveries to Wärtsilä. With this, Wärtsilä expands its already ambitious decarbonisation targets to scope 3 greenhouse gas emission category.

“Suppliers are an integral part of the total value chain of Wärtsilä’s products and services. Supply chain’s greenhouse gas emissions are the second-biggest scope 3 category in our value chain. Therefore, including supply chain emissions into our ‘Set for 30’ targets is the logical next step on our journey to shape the decarbonisation of marine and energy industries. By focusing on our direct Tier 1 suppliers, we cover 75% of our entire supplier base spend. Also, by working together with our selected suppliers on target-setting, we ensure the largest possible impact”, says Jan Kåre Helgeland, Director, Supply Management.

The new target is relative and the baseline for the target is 2024 greenhouse gas emissions. The data for the 2024 baseline will be collected from Wärtsilä’s Tier 1 suppliers during 2025, while the exact methodology for following up on progress against the target is being developed.

For decades, Wärtsilä has been focusing on energy savings and offering sustainable products and services to its customers. In 2021, the company announced its ‘Set for 30’ decarbonisation targets of becoming carbon neutral in its own operations and providing a product portfolio ready for zero-carbon fuels by 2030. Regarding carbon neutrality in own operations, Wärtsilä has, for example, been purchasing green electricity, taking low-emission company vehicles into use, and reducing the time needed for R&D and factory engine testing. By the end of 2024, Wärtsilä has decreased its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to the 2021 baseline.

To achieve a product portfolio ready for zero-carbon fuels, Wärtsilä has been investing in and researching fuel flexibility, efficiency, and zero-carbon fuels, resulting in several milestones and industry firsts in recent years. Additionally, in 2023, Wärtsilä launched the marine sector’s first 4-stroke engine-based ammonia solution, followed by announcing a deal to supply the engine technology for what is due to become the world’s first ammonia-fuelled in-service supply vessel. Wärtsilä has also launched a concept for the world’s first large-scale 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant. Wärtsilä’s engines can already now run flexibly on low- and zero-carbon fuels – such as ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol.