Wärtsilä and Aalto University have signed a new five-year research and development partnership agreement, continuing their commitment to advancing innovation in clean energy technologies. The renewed contract builds on the success of their collaboration and introduces a stronger emphasis on international collaboration. The partnership continues to focus on key areas such as research and insight, talent development, recruitment, and educational collaboration.

The partnership has already delivered impactful projects with a focus on advancing the decarbonisation of the marine and energy industries including:

• Zero Emission Marine, a strategic effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by 60% by 2030.
• HENNES Project, a collaboration between Aalto and Turku University funded by Business Finland, focuses on hydrogen combustion and derivative fuels to develop emission-free technologies, contributing to Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels. The project is part of the Zero Emission Marine programme led by Wärtsilä.
• AINA Project, a collaboration between Aalto and Turku University, focuses on the use of ammonia as an alternative fuel and its real-world applications in a push towards carbon-free shipping. The project is part of the Zero Emission Marine programme led by Wärtsilä.
• Hi-EFECTS, a collaboration between Aalto University, Lund University, World Maritime University and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), develops renewable fuels, such as ammonia and methanol, suitable for ships’ combustion engines, with a goal to combine academic excellence and industry leading expertise to make the green transition of marine transport a success.

“Our collaboration with Aalto University has already delivered tangible results in advancing clean fuel technologies. By combining Wärtsilä’s industry-leading expertise with Aalto’s academic strength, we are actively supporting the decarbonisation of the marine and energy industries. This renewed partnership agreement takes that success further by expanding our international reach and ensuring that innovation continues to drive the green energy transition,” says Kari Hietanen, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability at Wärtsilä.

A key highlight of the renewed agreement is its expanded international focus, strengthening collaboration with global academic networks and partners to accelerate knowledge sharing and innovation. Additional research areas include virtual validation, AI and machine learning, data analytics, and advanced materials.

“The renewed partnership agreement with Wärtsilä strengthens our joint long-term collaboration and reinforces our research impact by working together. By cooperating with Wärtsilä and other leading technology companies, we foster Finland’s competitiveness in industrial as well as academic arenas,” says Ilkka Niemelä, President, Aalto University.

Wärtsilä also recently announced a new Industrial PhD programme in collaboration with Aalto University, University of Vaasa, and LUT University. The unique programme offers doctoral students research topics, secured funding and expert support from the partner universities and Wärtsilä in a joint effort to drive innovation in future technologies.