In today’s business climate, efficiency is key, and building engines that sip fuel rather than gulp it down has been the focus of power builders worldwide.

Wärtsilä, based in Helsinki, Finland, is one of the world’s premier providers of sea-going powerplants for large ships, and the company recently laid claim to a Guinness World Record for the most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine in the world.

To achieve the feat, the Wärtsilä 31 has diesel fuel consumption as low as 165g/kWh, which, according to the company, is far lower than any other 4-stroke diesel engine currently on the market.

The Wärtsilä 31 is designed to serve offshore, cruise, and ferry boats along with other marine segments. The engine accepts a number of different fuel types, with three alternative versions available; Diesel, Dual-Fuel, and Spark-Ignited Gas. This permits vessel owners to choose from a variety of diesel types from light to heavy.

The medium-speed engine  is available in eight to 16-cylinder configurations and has a power output ranging from 4.2 to 9.6 MW at 720 and 750 rpm.

“The marine industry is focusing more than ever on efficiency and flexibility. The validation of the Wärtsilä 31 by Guinness World Records as being the most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine in the world speaks for itself. Ship owners and operators now have the chance to take a more efficient approach to improving vessel operations and reducing costs. The Wärtsilä 31 clearly redefines efficiency,” says Roger Holm, Senior Vice President, Engines, Wärtsilä Ship Power.