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Posted by David Sexton
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07 Oct, 2026
TECHNOLOGY group Wärtsilä is to supply 36 Wärtsilä 34DF dual fuel engines for 12 new 18,000 TEU container vessels being built for CMA CGM at the Jiangnan Shipyard in China.
The ships are to run on LNG, supporting CMA CGM’s ambition to operate lower‑emission deep‑sea container ships, with the engines to be delivered via Wärtsilä’s joint venture company CWEC (Shanghai) Co.
The engine order for all 12 vessels was booked by Wärtsilä in the 2026 first quarter with the orders for seals and bearings booked in the 2026 first quarter for the first four vessels, with the remaining eight vessels booked in the 2026 second quarter.
The Wärtsilä 34DF engine platform is said to combine high fuel efficiency, proven performance on LNG, and reliable operation across a wide range of load profiles.
This delivers low lifecycle and maintenance costs and a competitive total cost of ownership for large container vessels.
“We have had very positive experience with this engine,” said Xavier Leclercq, vice-president, newbuilding, CMA CGM.
“The combination of high reliability and low emission levels aligns fully with our long‑term ambition to reduce our environmental footprint.”
As regulatory frameworks develop and fuel costs continue to rise, improving energy efficiency is said to be one of the most effective pathways for operators to reduce operational emissions and manage lifecycle costs.
The Wärtsilä 34DF engine platform is said to help ensure vessels can maintain competitive efficiency performance over the long term.
“Customers are seeking solutions that deliver high fuel efficiency and reduced emissions with alternative fuels such as LNG,” said Stefan Nysjö, vice president, power supply, Wärtsilä Marine.
“The Wärtsilä 34DF is a proven platform that provides reliable, efficient LNG operation backed by extensive fleet experience.
"These attributes make it a strong fit for operators navigating increasingly stringent environmental and economic requirements.”
As well as the 36 engines, Wärtsilä is to also supply the seals and bearings, including its Airguard® seal system.
This is to deliver pollution free tightness and oil lubricated stern tube assembly (including after and forward stern tube bearings) and line shaft bearings, for these vessels.
The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard starting in 2027.
