CMA CGM has ordered methanol-fuelled auxiliary engines for six newbuild containerships.
According to Wärtsilä, the company supplying the engines, the six containerships are the first CMA CGM ordered to operate on methanol fuel.
The 15,000 TEU ships are being built at the Dalian Shipbuilding yard in China.
CMA Ships vice president Xavier Leclercq said CMA CGM aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
“By fitting our future fleet with methanol systems, we will be making a serious contribution towards achieving this target,” he said.
“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.”
And Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business, said both companies have a commitment to decarbonising marine operations.
“We are, therefore, honoured to have been selected to supply the methanol-fuelled engines for these newbuild vessels,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to collaborate with CMA CGM on creating more responsible, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation solutions for the industry.”
Wärtsilä said that for each of the vessels, its scope includes three six-cylinder and one seven-cylinder Wärtsilä 32M engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction systems.
The equipment is scheduled for delivery commencing in late 2024, and the vessel is expected to be delivered in autumn 2025.
