Abstract
Slow steaming has become a consistent trend in marine transportation. The article discusses and explains about the motivation for this new operating band, the requirements to ensure reliable operation of Wärtsilä marine 2-stroke engines and the emerged opportunities to improve the engine performance in the new load range.
Key topics addressed in the article are considerations around piston running, which needs specific attention during slow steaming, as well as the available technologies to re-optimize the engine for the new operating point to reduce the specific fuel oil consumption. The last chapter addresses the impact of the new trend on new vessel investments.
