Finnish technology firm Wärtsilä has been chosen by CMA CGM to supply the engines for its latest fleet expansion. The order includes 36 Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines, which will be installed across 12 new 18,000 TEU container vessels. These ships are currently under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in China. The engine deliveries will be facilitated through Wärtsilä's joint venture, CWEC (Shanghai) Co.
CMA CGM's decision to utilize these specific engines is based on positive prior experience, citing their high reliability and reduced emission levels. This aligns with the carrier's long-term environmental objectives.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signals CMA CGM's continued investment in modern, larger, and more fuel-efficient vessels. The introduction of these 18,000 TEU ships will likely increase capacity on key trade lanes, potentially influencing slot availability and freight rates in the future. The use of dual-fuel technology also indicates a commitment to lower emissions, which could become a factor in shipper selection as sustainability mandates grow. This expansion could enhance CMA CGM's network reach and schedule reliability once the vessels are operational.