Ship “lifecycle optimisation” needed, says Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä has outlined four industry trends it expects to define shipping in 2026, highlighting the need for long-term planning, flexible decarbonisation pathways and stronger digital integration. The company says owners are moving from piecemeal upgrades to full lifecycle optimisation, assessing environmental impact, efficiency and cost-effectiveness from design to end-of-life. Wärtsilä argues that closer cooperation between owners, operators and manufacturers will be essential as technology and regulation continue to evolve.

The group also points to the growing importance of vessel-specific decarbonisation strategies, with operators adopting fuel-flexible engines, hybrid propulsion and methane-slip mitigation to stay compliant and competitive amid shifting rules. Digitalisation and data analytics are expected to accelerate, driven by the complexity of modern ships equipped with hybrid systems and alternative fuels.

Wärtsilä says real-time recommendations based on shipboard data can cut emissions and operating costs, although industry-wide use remains constrained by data-management challenges. The company notes that regulation is becoming less predictable, with regional frameworks such as the EU Emission Trading System and FuelEU Maritime already influencing global operations.

Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine, said: “As we look ahead to 2026, collaboration will play a vital part in driving the sustainable transformation of shipping and shaping a cleaner and smarter future for the maritime industry.”

He added that decarbonisation “is a team effort” and that the sector already possesses the tools to build a more efficient and lower-carbon fleet.