TECHNOLOGY group Wärtsilä has again been selected to supply a broad scope of solutions for new LNG-fuelled container ships ordered by CMA CGM.

This latest series comprises 12 container vessels to be built in China. Six 13,000 TEU container vessels are being built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, with the other six 15,000 TEU container vessels under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard. The orders were placed in Q3 and Q4 2021.

The technologies being provided by Wärtsilä include five 34DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines for each ship, 60 engines in total, delivered from the joint venture in China, as well as Wärtsilä’s Nacos Platinum integrated control system, propulsion control system, STC-13 series sewage treatment plants and fuel gas supply system. This utilises the latest digital technology to provide data in real-time to allow the system to operate at optimal efficiency at all times, and in all weather and sea conditions.

The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yards commencing in 2022, and the first of the 12 vessels is expected to be launched in Q3 2023.

Wärtsilä was earlier contracted to supply a similar scope for nine 23,000 TEU commissioned by CMA CGM vessels which have been delivered and further five 15,000 TEU vessels.

By contracting these ships to operate with LNG fuel rather than conventional marine diesel fuels, CMA CGM is furthering its efforts to decarbonise maritime operations.

The dual-fuel gas engines on the vessels are already compatible with renewable energies such as biomethane, synthetic methane and e-methane.

Xavier Leclercq, vice president of CMA Ships, said, “The choice of dual fuel gas vessels powered by LNG for our new ships is part of our commitment to build a zero-carbon future”.

Håkan Agnevall, president and CEO, Wärtsilä Corporation, said, “This large repeat order for a broad scope of Wärtsilä solutions from a valued customer marks the value of quality, reliability and sharp customer focus. It also highlights our wide range of competences across marine technologies.

“Both CMA CGM and Wärtsilä have a common strategy in applying LNG solutions to prepare the way towards carbon free shipping.”