"The objective of HELIOS is to develop a marine low speed two-stroke gas Diesel engine research platform that is realistically sized for direct drive marine propulsion, and that has an emission footprint which compared to present Diesel engine technology is reduced as follows: CO2: 20-30%, NOx: 10-15%, SOx : 90-100%, PM: 60-70%. Since 99% of the world commercial fleet is powered by diesel engines, marine gas Diesel engine technology can greatly contribute to the greening of waterborne transportation. The potential of the HELIOS project is further enhanced by the possibility of retrofit of gas Diesel technology onto existing ships in service, since the needed modifications in components are limited and do not need removal or reinstallation of vessel’s engine. The research platform will be the basis for a new generation of high pressure gas injection engines operating on compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG), using Diesel type and partly pre-mixed combustion principles. The new generation of engines will be fully electronically controlled and have power ratings from 5.000 to 100.000 kW. The development of a marine gas Diesel engine concept being a realistic alternative to current technology places numerous challenges to the engine designer, ranging from development of reliable gas injection systems, layout of the combustion system including ignition control, engine monitoring, combustion chamber materials. Furthermore the project sets new standards for on board storage and distribution of LNG and CNG. HELIOS addresses all of the above aspects in an extensive R&D enterprise with duration of 3 years. HELIOS will drive forward new technologies, concepts for gas storage, high temperature materials and diagnostics methods, which will also strengthen European companies position as core technology developer and accordingly as know how and hardware provider."