Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the engines, fuel gas supply system and thrusters for two ro-pax ferries being built for French operator La Méridionale, a subsidiary of CMA CGM.
Sustainable technology on board
The 180m-long ships will be able to accommodate 1,000 passengers as well as cargo freight. The new ships will use LNG as their primary fuel, and be prepared to operate on alternative fuels such as biogas and synthetic methane, as these become available at scale.
For each ship, Wärtsilä will supply two 12-cylinder, one 10-cylinder and one eight-cylinder Wärtsilä 31DF engines. The two ferries will use Wärtsilä’s NextDF technology, which will be implemented in the Wärtsilä 31DF engines.
While operating on LNG, the NextDF version of the Wärtsilä 31DF further reduces methane emissions and nitrogen oxide (NOx) compared to the standard Wärtsilä 31DF. The scope of Wärtsilä’s supply for this contract also includes the Wärtsilä LNGPac, a fuel gas supply system for LNG-fuelled ships, as well as Wärtsilä thrusters.
The order was booked in April 2024 and the Wärtsilä equipment for these ferries is scheduled to be delivered in mid-2025, with the ferries expected to enter service during the first half of 2027, operating between Marseille and Corsica. The vessels are to be built at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).
Reaching net-zero emissions
Xavier Leclercq, vice-president of CMA Ships at CMA CGM, said, “The design of these two ro-pax vessels reflects our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint within our own fleet. These will be among the most energy-efficient, low-emission ships in operation globally, and we value the support from Wärtsilä, whose technology and solutions help make this ambition possible.”
“The drive toward net-zero emissions is one of the most important challenges facing the industry today,” said Stefan Nysjö, vice president of power supply at Wärtsilä Marine. “That’s why we are pleased to support our long-standing partners, CMA CGM and China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) with our integrated solutions – ensuring these ferries are able to benefit from outstanding fuel efficiency, operational reliability and a significant reduction in GHG emissions.”
In related news, technology group Wärtsilä recently revealed it would supply the methanol-fuelled auxiliary engines for five container vessels for Cosco Shipping Lines and seven container vessels for the Orient Overseas Container Line. Click here to read the full story.