

Developing and accelerating implementation of technologies enabling introduction of green fuels
ZEM ecosystem will develop engine technologies and energy storage systems together with potential customers and suitable suppliers and researchers in order to enable rapid introduction of economically and environmentally sustainable new fuels.
Main objective: Develop the best technologies for Zero Emission Marine internal combustion engine (ICE) concepts for new builds and retrofits in combination with, or standalone, Energy Storage Solution
List of important research topics:
- Hydrogen ICE concepts and system level technologies
- Ammonia ICE concepts and system level technologies
- Ethanol/methanol (especially bio origin) ICE concepts and system level technologies
- Operating on blends
- Aftertreatment to remove residual emissions
- Energy storage solutions for both electricity and heat

Projects
Here you can find the initiated ZEM ecosystem projects and the participating partners.
The process for applying for a ZEM project is presented in the Ecosystem page.
More information can be found from news articles:
MASCOT
MASCOT (Materials for CO2-neutral processes in resource-intensive industries) is a partnership project which responds to materials performance challenges presented by the emerging CO2-neutral processes of circular economy and hydrogen technologies.
The three-year co-innovation project with the total budget of 7.2 M€ brings together six companies and two research institutes to tackle the material challenges in emerging fossil-free processes, and take the forerunner position in the international growth markets. The results obtained in MASCOT will significantly improve the reliability, safety, and competitiveness of CO2-neutral Finnish industrial processes.
Partners: VTT, University of Oulu, Andritz, Exote, Metso Outotec, Neste, Nordic Tank, Wärtsilä
Silent Engine
The Silent Engine project will seek new silent and vibration-free solutions to help the Finnish powertrain industry meet the criteria set for noise, vibration, and sustainability. The project aims to develop silent and vibration-free innovations by fast-tracking, that is parallel development instead of slow, incremental improvement.
The three-year project will start on 1 October 2022. Out of the total project volume of 1.33 M€, 70% comes as support from Business Finland. The companies involved in the project and the University of Vaasa fund the rest.
Partners: University of Vaasa, AGCO Power, KONE, Meyer Turku, Vibrol, Wärtsilä
CASEMATE
The CASEMATE (Computer-Aided Systems Engineering for Marine Advanced Technology for the Environment) project develops and applies the Model Based Systems Engineering methodology to engine development for new zero-carbon fuels.
The project started on 1. October 2022 and lasts for three years. Total project volume for all partners is 3 M€, with 70% funded by Business Finland and the rest covered by contributions from the companies involved and the research institutions.
Partners: University of Oulu, University of Vaasa, Aalto University, Åbo Akademi, Tampere University, AGCO Power, Meyer Turku, Global Boiler Works, Dassault Systemès, InfiniSpring, Wärtsilä
GECFD
The GECFD research project coordinated by VTT is creating an open simulation platform to develop the new technologies needed for green fuels and digital modelling of their use. The new digital tools will enable more cost-effective development work and significantly speed up the commercialization of new technologies.
The project is part of two Business Finland Veturi ecosystems: Wärtsilä’s “Zero Emission Marine” (ZEM) and Neste’s “Novel sustainable & scalable solutions for transportation and chemicals”. VTT is coordinating the project and it is being funded by Business Finland. The total budget is 1.1 million euros.
Partners: VTT, Wärtsilä, Neste, AGCO Power, Koja, Vahterus
HENNES
The HENNES research project studies the physics and chemistry of hydrogen combustion. Combining 3D simulation methods with experimental research is at the core of the research. It is a research project investigating the basic properties of hydrogen, the results of which can be used by both the scientific community and industry.
The research is part of Wärtsilä’s Zero Emission Marine ecosystem project, which aims to contribute to the development of zero-emission marine technology, among other things. Business Finland has granted 1.7 million euros in funding to the HENNES research project.
Partners: Aalto University, University of Turku, Wärtsilä, AGCO Power, Oilon, Finno Exergy, Vahterus, Auramarine, KK-Palokonsultti Oy, P2X Solutions.
Articles & Events about New technologies

How does hydrogen actually work as a fuel? Research project receives 1.7 million euros to study hydrogen combustion

Green engine simulation tool developed by VTT speeds up commercialization of new technology

Holistic approach to engine development fast-tracks transition to zero-emissions in marine industry

From roar to humming – Silent Engine project aims to save your eardrums and our environment
