Wärtsilä has been selected as the supplier of a wide range of solutions for the new LNG-powered container ships ordered by CMA CGM, a world leader in maritime and logistics services based in France. This latest series of ships includes 12 container ships that will be built in China.

Six vessels with a capacity of 13,000 standard 20-foot containers (TEUs) are under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) CO. Ltd., while six 15,000 TEU capacity vessels are under construction at Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd. Large Wärtsilä deliveries have been ordered in the third and fourth quarters of 2021.

The first Wärtsilä equipment is expected to be delivered to shipyards in 2022, with the first of 12 vessels expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2023. Wärtsilä has already been commissioned to deliver a range of equipment similar to nine already delivered CMA CGM ships of a capacity of 23,000 TEUs and five of 15,000 TEUs of which two vessels have been delivered and three vessels are currently under construction.

ALMOST ALL AIR POLLUTION
By using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel on ships, instead of conventional marine diesel, CMA CGM is strengthening its support for the decarbonization of maritime operations. LNG eliminates almost all air pollution, with a 99% reduction in sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions, a 92% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and a 91% reduction in emissions particles, and represents a first step towards decarbonization.

In addition, the ships’ dual-fuel engines are already compatible with renewable energy sources such as biomethane, synthetic methane and e-methane.

OBLIGATION
At CMA CGM, we are committed to promoting sustainable development in all our operations. We are delighted to work with Wärtsilä, as they have a similar decarbonization goal and a wide range of solutions to offer. The choice of bi-fuel ships powered by LNG is part of our desire to build a carbon-free future, says Xavier Leclercq, Vice-President of CMA SHIPS.

– This large and repeat order for a wide range of Wärtsilä solutions from a valued customer highlights the value of quality, reliability and sharp customer focus. It also highlights our wide range of skills in marine technologies. CMA CGM and Wärtsilä have a common strategy of using LNG solutions to pave the way for carbon-free shipping, underlines Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä.

HIGH EFFICIENCY
The selected Wärtsilä solutions are all designed to deliver high efficiency and environmental sustainability. Delivery includes five Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines for each vessel – 60 engines in total, Wärtsilä’s integrated Nacos Platinum control system, propulsion control system, STC-13 series sewage treatment plant and the gaseous fuel system – equipped with Wärtsilä’s Operim system for performance enhancement and performance enhancement. The latter uses the latest digital technologies to provide real-time data that allows the system to operate with the best possible efficiency at all times and in all weather and sea conditions.