Wasaline’s Aurora Botnia, operating between Vaasa and Umeå, is a practical example of how different energy technologies work together. The vessel combines multi-fuel engines, batteries, electric propulsion and shore power connections in ports.

The solutions reflect the expertise of several companies in the region. The vessel is equipped with Wärtsilä engines and ABB Azipod propulsion units. WE Tech Solutions has delivered the vessel’s hybrid electric system, incorporating electric drives and power converters from Danfoss.

Aurora Botnia also serves as a technology development environment, with Wärtsilä testing new solutions on one of its engines. Daily operations provide valuable insights into how the technologies work together and how their performance can be further improved.

Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa brings together research, product development, testing and manufacturing. From the perspective of the marine industry, key development areas include engines capable of operating on different fuels and ensuring their efficient and reliable operation.

Collaboration with customers, technology partners and higher education institutions at the hub helps bring new solutions from research into practical applications. Testing and joint development generate valuable knowledge for both technology implementation and customers’ investment planning.

Merinova participates in the I3-4-BLUE GROWTH project, which strengthens cooperation between European regions to develop a sustainable blue economy. One of the project’s focus areas is marine renewable energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the maritime sector.

The project facilitates knowledge sharing, identifies opportunities for collaboration and lays the groundwork for interregional innovation and investment projects. The international network creates opportunities to combine the strengths of companies and research organisations across different regions.