Clean Propulsion Technologies: Securing Technological Dominance for the Finnish Marine and Off-Road Powertrain Sectors

Maciej Mikulski, Teemu Ovaska (), Rodrigo Rabetino, Merja Kangasjärvi and Aino Myllykangas
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Maciej Mikulski: Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS), School of Technology and Innovations, University of Vaasa, Yliopistonranta 10, FI-65200 Vaasa, Finland
Teemu Ovaska: Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS), School of Technology and Innovations, University of Vaasa, Yliopistonranta 10, FI-65200 Vaasa, Finland
Rodrigo Rabetino: Vaasa Energy Business and Innovation Centre (VEBIC), University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 32, FI-65200 Vaasa, Finland
Merja Kangasjärvi: Vaasa Energy Business and Innovation Centre (VEBIC), University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 32, FI-65200 Vaasa, Finland
Aino Myllykangas: Vaasa Energy Business and Innovation Centre (VEBIC), University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 32, FI-65200 Vaasa, Finland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-34

Abstract: The Clean Propulsion Technologies (CPT) project, established in 2021, brought together 15 research partners and original equipment manufacturers. The goal was to create a common vision and sustainable business solutions so that the worldwide technological leadership of the Finnish powertrain industry is secured. With a EUR 15.5 M budget, CPT brought early-stage innovative concepts towards technology readiness level (TRL) 6. The project’s particular significance was its unique cross-coupling of marine and off-road sectors, which have similar emission reduction targets but which do not compete for similar customers. The project yielded 21 innovative solutions, from accelerated model-based design methodologies and progress in combustion and aftertreatment control to hybrid energy management solutions. These were encapsulated in four ground-breaking demonstrations, including a next-generation marine engine working in low-temperature, reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) mode and a hydrogen off-road engine. An advanced close-coupled selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system and a hybrid wheel-platform with digital hydraulics were also demonstrated. The University of Vaasa led the consortium and was responsible for coordinated model-based rapid prototyping. This report examines University of Vaasa’s achievements during the CPT in terms of 26 milestones, 13 deliverables, and 32 research papers. It focuses also on other aspects, including lessons learned from managing large-scale academic–industry research.

Keywords: marine engines; off-road engines; close-coupled SCR; RCCI; variable valve actuation; hybrid powertrains; model-based development; predictive control; Delphi studies; technological roadmap (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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