CMA CGM has ordered methanol-fueled auxiliary engines from Wärtsilä for six 15,000 TEU container vessels. The vessels are currently under construction at the Dalian Shipbuilding yard in China.
Each vessel will be supplied with three six-cylinder and one seven-cylinder Wärtsilä 32M engines featuring selective catalytic reduction systems. Delivery of the equipment is scheduled for late 2024, ahead of the first vessel being delivered in autumn 2025.
Upon entering service, the six container vessels will be CMA CGM’s first to run on methanol. The shipping company made the decision to use methanol as a fuel to decarbonize its operations as it can be produced using sustainable and renewable-based energy sources, and does not emit as many pollutants as diesel.
“Our goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By fitting our future fleet with methanol systems, we will be making a serious contribution toward achieving this target,” said Xavier Leclercq, vice president, CMA Ships. “For this reason, we require the experience and technological leadership that Wärtsilä provides in the development of reliable engines capable of operating with new, sustainable marine fuels.”
“We have worked closely with CMA CGM for many years, with both our companies sharing a commitment to decarbonizing marine operations,” added Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business. “We are, therefore, honored to have been selected to supply the methanol-fueled engines for these new-build vessels. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with CMA CGM on creating more responsible, more efficient and more sustainable transportation solutions for the industry.”