Engineering company JTK Power, based in Vöyri, Finland, has manufactured the world’s first low-carbon engine silencer. Produced using SSAB Zero™ steel, the silencer has a carbon footprint nearly 50% smaller than that of a conventional silencer. According to the companies involved, the project represents a significant step toward developing a fully carbon-neutral silencer and advancing a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.
With more than 27 years of experience in manufacturing industrial silencers, JTK Power delivered the world’s first low-carbon marine engine silencer to Wärtsilä at the end of September. The silencer was manufactured using hot-rolled SSAB Zero™ steel, which has a carbon footprint 77% lower than conventional blast furnace steel. As a result, the total CO₂ emissions of the silencer are reduced by nearly 50% compared to a traditional silencer.
SSAB Zero™ steel is made from recycled steel using fossil-free energy. SSAB Zero™ steel offers the same high performance and properties as conventional steel.
“Steel accounts for a large share of the material in a silencer, so JTK Power’s material choice has a significant impact on the final product. This project is a true benchmark for the industry. Steel is the most recyclable material in the world – even this silencer, once it reaches the end of its service life, could be given a new life as something completely different, such as a refrigerator door”, say Erkki Krankkala, Technical Development Manager, and Timo Risku, Regional Sales Manager at SSAB Europe.
One of the main challenges for products made from SSAB Zero™ steel today is availability. All three companies firmly believe that the demand for low-carbon steel products will grow significantly in the coming years. The companies are ready: SSAB is preparing to move the production of its SSAB Zero™ steel – currently manufactured in the United States – first to Sweden and later also to Finland. JTK Power, which has acted as the driving force behind the silencer project, has the capacity to switch to using exclusively low-carbon steel in its silencers within the next few years.
“Once the supply chain is closer and the range of low-carbon steel broader, we will have everything we need to design and manufacture SSAB Zero™ steel products for a much wider range of applications. This will also enable us to further reduce the CO₂ emissions of the low-carbon silencer”, says Product & Sales Manager Iisakki Ala-Kauppila, who led the project at JTK Power.
According to Wärtsilä’s Category Manager Mikko Kangasniemi and Sourcing Manager Marine Tomi Hämäläinen, the silencer born from the collaboration between the three companies marks an important step toward a lower-carbon future for the marine and energy industries.
“It is important for us to communicate to our customers that a low-carbon silencer is available for their product. This takes us one step further as we work together with our customers to build carbon-neutral marine operations.”
“JTK Power’s primary mission is to reduce noise pollution. Now, we are able to do so in a way that is even more environmentally responsible. In the long term, the impact of this project will be felt across the entire industry”, concludes JTK Power’s CEO, Robert Ollus.
The world’s first low-carbon silencer was delivered to Wärtsilä on September 25 during Sustainability Week. The event was held at JTK Power’s factory in Vöyri, Finland.
Information and further questions:
Iisakki Ala-Kauppila
Product & Sales Manager
JTK Power
+358 50 5903859
iisakki.ala-kauppila@jtk-power.com
Robert Ollus
Managing Director, CEO
JTK Power
+358 40 743 3729
robert.ollus@jtk-power.com