TECHNOLOGY manufacturer Wärtsilä has introduced a new feature called EnviroPac for the 34DF constant speed engine, designed to significantly reduce methane emissions while maintaining the engine’s high-power output.

The Finnish technology company revealed the first order for engines with this new feature has been placed by French shipping line CMA CGM.

The engines will be installed in eight new LNG-operated container vessels, currently being built at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China.

The engine order for the first two vessels was booked by Wärtsilä’s joint venture company, CWEC (Shanghai).

When operating with LNG fuel, the EnviroPac feature cuts methane emissions in half, compared to the standard Wärtsilä 34DF engine, the company said.

In addition to the environmental benefit, the reduction in emissions has an impact on costs when operating in EU waters since it results in lesser penalties under both the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime (FEUM), Wärtsilä said.

“This is a very important development that will have a major beneficial impact on our operations,” said Xavier Leclercq, vice president, Newbuilding, at CMA CGM.

“We are working hard to minimise the environmental footprint throughout our fleet, and this latest technology from Wärtsilä provides strong support to these efforts.”

The eight 9200 TEU LNG-powered vessels will each operate with two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF and two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF EnviroPac engines, as well as the selective catalytic reduction systems.

Stefan Nysjö, vice president of power supply at Wärtsilä Marine commented, “We are proud to launch this new EnviroPac feature for our already efficient Wärtsilä 34DF engine”.

“Our long-standing relationship with CMA CGM is once again enhanced with this order, and we complement them on their vision for actively achieving sustainability throughout their fleet.”

The EnviroPac feature is available for both new and latest versions of existing Wärtsilä 34DF constant speed engines.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in early 2026.