R&D: At the forefront of development
Solutions and knowledge don’t come easy, which is why Solvang widens and deepens our research and development portfolio. With operational data from live testing in Solvang, the global knowledge expands. Read about the projects and areas of research.
Solvang takes part in research and development (R&D) or innovation activities spanning all our activities, from recruiting crew members to adjusting engines to analyze markets or report ESG performance. Since 2009, Solvang consistently registered all data from our fleet, enabling
unique scientific research.
Solvang prescribes a few verticals to build new knowledge:
• The environment requires an holistic approach
• Fuel must be assessed well-to-wake
• Efficiency is quintessential to understand our climate
footprint
First onboard CCS world-wide
In 2021 Solvang embarked on a voyage with Wärtsila, a pioneer in marine environmental technology, to remove CO2 directly from the exhaust stream of a ship engine. In the winter of 2025, gas carrier Clipper Eris left Seatrium shipyard in Singapore with an OCCS facility in full operation, capturing more than 90% of the exhaust CO2.
“We have reached the frontier of what’s possible with existing technology. Thanks to the Clipper Eris pilot, we learnt how to adjust operations and integrate systems to turn onboard carbon capture into a commercial solution,” says Sigurd Jenssen, CEO at Wärtsilä in Moss, Norway.
WESP: Expecting 95% particle capture
As a way to filter the exhaust stream of fine particulate matter, such as soot, acid mists, organic emissions, tars and heavy metals, Solvang runs wet electrostatic precipitators (WESPs) on five gas carriers. The solution consists of a honeycomb structure within the chimney, producing an electrical field inside each tube, which charges and pulls particles and entrained droplets from the gas flow, attaching them to the inner surfaces of the tubes. These particles are then flushed from the tubes using water, which is collected and cleaned onboard.
The system delivered by Wärtsilä has delivered 95% particle removal in lab tests, while live testing awaits in 2026.
Engine load optimization
Together with technologists Accelleron and Wärtsilä, Solvang has researched since 2023 for a lower optimal load range by means of engine tuning and turbocharger specifications. While preserving commercial speed, the results show fuel savings of 3-4 percent delivered on the engine, and much higher savings of combined fuel consumption.
Energy transition research
Solvang is an active partner in the Norwegian R&D centre for Maritime Energy Transition (MarTrans). The centre coordinates research within energy-efficient shipping, onboard energy systems, port infrastructure for green energy, sustainable transition pathways, and the area of “innovation and industrialization”. MarTrans runs 8 years from 2024 and has 65 partners working to accelerate the energy transition in shipping.
Wind-assisted propulsion
Solvang participates in the International Windship Association, as a consortium member of SINTEF Ocean’s WIND project. The project develops simulation tools for accurate analysis of wind-powered ships with aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, propulsion, machinery, control system, and operation. The target is cost reduction and energy efficiency for ship owners, as well as providing ship designers and equipment suppliers with new insights, knowledge and agility to develop high quality designs and products for wind powered ships.
«WIND offers Solvang access to verified objective information, we get to exert influence, we receive attention as a technology user, and our own efforts are made useful to others», says Tor Øyvind Ask, Fleet Director in Solvang.
The propulsion optimization programme
Fins and ducts positioned in front of the propeller and rudder comprise an effective energy-saving part of Solvang’s propulsion optimization programme. By straightening and accelerating the hull wake into the propeller and also producing a net forward thrust, the installation saves up fo seven percent of the fuel. All except two of Solvang’s vessels took part in the programme in 2025.
