Wärtsilä to Supply Dual-Fuel Engines for CMA CGM’s 18,000 TEU Vessels

Wärtsilä will supply a total of 36 Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines for 12 new 18,000 TEU container vessels being built for French operator CMA CGM at the Jiangnan Shipyard in China. The agreement was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2026 and will see the delivery of these engines through their joint venture company CWEC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. This project builds on a long-standing partnership between CMA CGM and Wärtsilä, with CMA CGM already operating more than 160 Wärtsilä 34DF engines in its fleet.

Engine Specifications and Benefits

The Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engine platform combines high fuel efficiency, proven performance on LNG, and reliable operation across a wide range of load profiles. According to Wärtsilä, the combination of strong reliability and low emission levels aligns with CMA CGM’s long-term ambition to reduce its environmental footprint.

“We have had very positive experience with this engine,” says Xavier Leclercq, Vice-President, Newbuilding, CMA CGM. “Its combination of high reliability and low emission levels aligns fully with our long-term ambition.”

Newbuilds for the Future: LNG Propulsion

The new vessels will run on LNG, supporting CMA CGM’s commitment to operate lower-emission deep-sea container ships. The engines’ ability to consistently deliver strong efficiency lead to meaningful reductions in fuel consumption and associated emissions, aligning with regulatory developments and rising fuel costs.

Future Fuel Flexibility

The vessels will be suitable for conversion to methanol, LNG or ammonia propulsion in the future. According to Wagenborg, the engines installed on their six EasyMax 2.0 vessels will allow for easy transition to alternative fuels such as methanol, which is particularly relevant given its growing adoption in maritime applications.

“The new generation of our vessels, including the EasyMax 2.0 series, has been designed with a strong focus on cargo capacity, operational efficiency, and low fuel consumption,” says Wagenborg’s statement. This design aligns well with the future-proofing approach taken by CMA CGM through its selection of these dual-fuel engines.

What this means for operators

The decision by both Wärtsilä and CMA CGM to invest in LNG-powered vessels reflects a broader industry trend towards sustainable practices. Operators can expect reduced operational emissions and better fuel efficiency, which will help manage lifecycle costs more effectively. The ability to convert these engines to future fuels such as methanol or ammonia also provides operators with flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing regulatory requirements and market demands.

As fuel prices continue to fluctuate and environmental regulations become stricter, these newbuilds demonstrate a strategic approach that balances immediate operational needs with long-term sustainability goals. This technology will not only support CMA CGM’s emission reduction targets but also set a precedent for other container shipping companies looking to modernize their fleets.