CMA CGM selects Wärtsilä 34DF engines to support efficient, lower-emission operations for 12 new container vessels

CMA CGM has chosen Wärtsilä's 34DF dual fuel engines for 12 upcoming 18,000 TEU container ships being constructed by the French company at the Jiangnan Shipyard in China. The vessels will utilize LNG, aligning with CMA CGM's goal to operate more environmentally friendly deep-sea containerships. All 36 engines will be delivered via Wärtsilä's joint venture CWEC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. The engine orders were placed in Q1 2026, with seals and bearings orders for the first four vessels in Q1 2026 and the remaining eight vessels in Q2 2026.

The Wärtsilä 34DF engine platform boasts high fuel efficiency, proven LNG performance, and reliable operation across various load profiles, resulting in low lifecycle and maintenance costs and competitive total costs of ownership for large container ships. With a mature global bunkering network, LNG serves as a practical, lower-emission fuel for deep-sea operators.

CMA CGM already operates over 160 Wärtsilä 34DF engines, providing a solid in-fleet track record that influenced the decision for this next batch of newbuilds. Vice-President, Newbuilding, CMA CGM, Xavier Leclercq, stated, "We have had very positive experience with this engine. Its combination of high reliability and low emission levels aligns fully with our long-term ambition to reduce our environmental footprint."

As regulations evolve and fuel costs rise, enhancing energy efficiency emerges as one of the most effective strategies for operators to cut operational emissions and manage lifespan expenses. Wärtsilä's 34DF engine platform, coupled with ongoing technological advancements and extensive in-service experience, ensures vessels can sustain competitive efficiency performance in the long run.

Wärtsilä Vice President, Power Supply, Stefan Nysjö, explained, "Customers are seeking solutions that deliver high fuel efficiency and reduced emissions with alternative fuels like LNG. The Wärtsilä 34DF is a proven platform that offers reliable, efficient LNG operation backed by extensive fleet experience. These attributes make it a strong fit for operators facing increasingly stringent environmental and economic requirements."

Beyond the 36 engines, Wärtsilä will supply seals and bearings, including the Airguard® seal system, ensuring pollution-free tightness and oil-lubricated stern tube assemblies, forward and aft stern tube bearings, and line shaft bearings for these vessels. Delivery of the equipment is set to begin in 2027.