Wärtsilä and Aalto University have signed a renewed five-year research and development partnership to advance clean energy technologies, with a strengthened focus on international cooperation. The updated agreement builds on earlier work between the two organisations and continues to cover research activity, talent development, recruitment and educational collaboration.

The partnership has already supported several programmes aimed at reducing emissions in the marine and energy sectors. These include Zero Emission Marine (ZEM), a strategic initiative aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transport by 60% by 2030.

Work under the collaboration also covers projects such as HENNES, a Business Finland-funded initiative between Aalto University and Turku University that focuses on hydrogen combustion and derivative fuels, and AINA, a joint project exploring the use of ammonia as an alternative fuel to support progress toward carbon-free shipping.

Another key initiative is Hi-EFECTS, a collaboration involving Aalto University, Lund University, the World Maritime University and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The project centres on the development of renewable fuels, such as ammonia and methanol, suitable for combustion engines in marine applications and combines academic research with industry input to support the green transition.

"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," said Kari Hietanen, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability at Wärtsilä.

A key element of the renewed agreement is its broader international scope, which aims to accelerate knowledge sharing with global academic partners. Wärtsilä said additional areas of research will include virtual validation, artificial intelligence 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," said Ilkka Niemelä, President, Aalto University.

Wärtsilä has also launched an Industrial PhD programme in collaboration with Aalto University, the University of Vaasa and LUT University, offering doctoral researchers defined topics, financial support and access to expertise from both academia and industry.

Wärtsilä operates in more than 230 locations across 77 countries. The company reported net sales of €6.4bn in 2024.