Advancing decarbonisation beyond fuel transition: the role of power optimisation and data
WE Tech Solutions (WE Tech), a leading Finnish marine energy solution provider with a global presence in the shipping industry, and NAPA, a leading provider of software and digital services for ship design and operations globally, jointly hosted a seminar on 26 May at the Embassy of Finland in Tokyo.
Under the theme “Decarbonisation: Fuel Transition or Power Optimisation – What is the Real Path Forward?”, the seminar explored practical pathways for the maritime industry’s transition towards net zero by 2050. The discussion emphasised the importance of going beyond fuel transition alone and adopting more comprehensive, realistic strategies.
Power optimisation as a practical decarbonisation pathway
In his keynote presentation, “Powering the Transition to Efficient and Zero-Emission Shipping”, CEO Henri Kinnunen of WE Tech Solutions highlighted the growing importance of electrification and hybridisation in shipping.
He stated that tightening environmental regulations such as EEDI, EEXI and CII, combined with increasing onboard power demand and the need for improved operational efficiency, are driving a transformation in vessel power systems.
CCO Olli-Pekka Aalto of WE Tech Solutions’ keynote presentation “From Compliance to Cost Savings – Energy Solutions for Japan’s Decarbonisation Path” highlighted WE Tech’s hybrid marine energy solutions integrate shaft generators, DC distribution, energy management systems and battery storage. With over 300 installations globally, including more than 40 in Japan, the company demonstrates strong real-world impact.
A key highlight was the efficiency gain achieved by utilising the main engine for power generation. Compared to auxiliary engines operating at partial loads, main engine-based generation significantly improves fuel efficiency, reducing both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
In addition, WE Tech shared ROI estimates, based on a fuel price assumption of USD 450 per tonne, indicating annual fuel savings of approximately USD 715,000 for LNG carriers, USD 190,000 for PCTCs, and USD 150,000 for Aframax tankers. Depending on vessel type and operating profile, payback periods were estimated at between one and five years.
WE Tech emphasised that decarbonisation is no longer just about regulatory compliance, but a business imperative combining operational efficiency and cost savings.
From theoretical performance to data-driven validation
Naoki Mizutani, EVP of NAPA Studios and Managing Director of NAPA Japan, delivered a presentation titled: “Beyond Installation: Verifying Real-World Performance of Energy Saving Technologies Through Data.”
He highlighted that installing energy-saving technologies alone is no longer sufficient. Instead, their real-world impact must be verified through operational data. Mizutani pointed out that there is often a gap between manufacturer-claimed energy savings and independently verified real-world results, making ship-specific, data-based verification essential for sound investment decisions.
NAPA utilises a ship-specific performance model, which combines physics-based modelling with operational data to isolate the real impact of each technology from variables such as hull fouling and weather. A case study involving wind-assisted propulsion demonstrated up to 28% CO₂ reduction of which approximately 12 % came from NAPA Voyage Optimization alone.
Beyond simulations, NAPA also focuses on real-world validation by analysing noon reports, MRV data, and sensor data.
A bulb-change case study presented by Mizutani showed a 10% fuel oil consumption reduction, independently measured against the baseline — translating to roughly $4,000 per day in savings. Mizutani concluded that investment decisions will increasingly rely on evidence from real operational data rather than catalogue specifications. As an independent verification partner, NAPA applies comprehensive analytical methods — combining physics-based modelling and data science — to ensure objective, data-driven results, regardless of the technology or supplier involved.
Panel discussion: “Fuel transition alone is not enough”
The panel discussion brought together representatives from WE Tech Solutions, NAPA, NYK Line and Inspirers Consulting, combining expertise in marine energy systems, digital performance optimisation, vessel operations and maritime consultancy. The discussion explored how different stakeholders can contribute to achieving the maritime industry’s decarbonisation goals.
A shared consensus emerged: decarbonisation cannot be achieved by a single solution.
Instead, it requires a combination of approaches – including fuel transition, power system improvements, operational optimisation, hull and propeller performance – tailored to the specific vessel and its operating conditions.
From WE Tech’s perspective, retrofit solutions were highlighted as a particularly practical short-term approach, especially in meeting 2030 targets. While newbuilds offer long-term optimisation advantages, constraints such as cost, lead time and yard capacity make retrofits essential in the near term.
The panellists also emphasised that there is no one-size-fits-all technology, that system selection (AC, DC, ESS, PTO/PTI) must reflect the vessel type and operational profile, and that the priority should be delivering real operational value rather than adding technology for its own sake.
The discussion also addressed workforce challenges, concluding that electrification and automation will not eliminate jobs but rather transform required skillsets, increasing the demand for electrical and digital expertise.
Tripartite Signing Ceremony: Strengthening strategic collaboration
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between WE Tech Solutions, NAPA, and Klaveness Combination Carriers during the seminar, marking a key step in advancing maritime decarbonisation through collaboration.
The partnership will focus on validating shaft generator solutions using real operational data and supporting informed investment decisions. The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to scalable and commercially viable decarbonisation pathways.
(In the photo: left CEO Henri Kinnunen of WE Tech Solutions, right Naoki Mizutani, EVP of NAPA Studios and Managing Director of NAPA Japan)
From ambition to implementation
Rather than focusing solely on future fuels, the seminar highlighted a broader shift in the maritime industry, from aspiration to execution.
Across all sessions, the discussion centred on whether solutions deliver real CO₂ reductions, whether investments can be justified through ROI, and whether technologies can be implemented on existing vessels.
While there are still challenges related to the availability, cost and infrastructure of alternative fuels, power optimisation and data-driven operational improvements offer practical solutions that can be implemented today.
Through this joint seminar, WE Tech Solutions and NAPA demonstrated their shared commitment to supporting the industry with technologies and data that enable real, measurable decarbonisation progress.
Further information: WE Tech Solutions in Japan
The seminar in Tokyo reflects WE Tech Solutions’ growing commitment to the Japanese maritime industry. Following the establishment of WE Tech Solutions KK in Kobe in autumn 2025, the company has strengthened its local presence to better support customers and partners across Japan.
The office serves as a local base for field service activities and customer support, enabling closer cooperation with shipyards, owners, and technology partners. The local operations are led by Östen Lindell, Director, Business Development Asia and General Manager of WE Tech Solutions KK.
Through its local presence and long-standing partnerships, WE Tech Solutions continues to expand its support capabilities in Japan while contributing to the transition towards more energy-efficient and sustainable shipping.
Media contact:
Olli-Pekka Aalto, Chief Commercial Officer
olli-pekka.aalto@wetech.fi
