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

Wärtsilä Corporation, Trade press release, 6 October at 12 EEST

Technology group 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 vessels will run on LNG, supporting CMA CGM’s ambition to operate lower‑emission deep‑sea container ships. The engines will be delivered through Wärtsilä’s joint venture company CWEC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. The engine order for all 12 vessels was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2026. The orders for seals and bearings were booked in Q1 2026 for the first four vessels, with the remaining eight vessels booked in Q2 2026.

The Wärtsilä 34DF engine platform combines high fuel efficiency, proven performance on LNG, and reliable operation across a wide range of load profiles. This delivers low lifecycle and maintenance costs and a competitive total cost of ownership for large container vessels.

Supported by a mature global bunkering network, LNG remains a practical, lower‑emission fuel for deep‑sea operators. For large container vessels operating on LNG, the engine’s ability to consistently deliver strong efficiency leads to meaningful reductions in fuel consumption and associated emissions. CMA CGM already operates more than 160 Wärtsilä 34DF engines, providing a solid in‑fleet track record that informed the decision for this next series of newbuilds. 

“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,” says Xavier Leclercq, Vice-President, Newbuilding, CMA CGM.

As regulatory frameworks develop and fuel costs continue to rise, improving energy efficiency is becoming one of the most effective pathways for operators to reduce operational emissions and manage lifecycle costs. The Wärtsilä 34DF engine platform, supported by continuous technological development and broad in-service experience, helps ensure vessels can maintain competitive efficiency performance over the long term.

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

In addition to the 36 engines, Wärtsilä will also supply the seals and bearings, including its reputable Airguard® seal system. This will deliver pollution free tightness and oil lubricated stern tube assembly (including after and forward stern tube bearings) and line shaft bearings, for these vessels.

The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in 2027.

Media contact for more information on this release: 

Isabella Alder  
External Communications, Wärtsilä Marine    
marine.media@wartsila.com

Image caption: Wärtsilä’s fuel-efficient Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines have been selected for 12 new CMA CGM container vessels. © Wärtsilä Corporation

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Wärtsilä Marine in brief 
Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in power, propulsion and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. We develop industry-leading technologies, advancing maritime's transition to new fuels. We support building an end-to-end digital ecosystem where all vessels and ports are connected. Ultimately, Wärtsilä Marine is driving the shipping industry forward on its journey towards a decarbonised and sustainable future through our broad portfolio of engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, exhaust treatment, shaft line solutions and digital technologies, as well as integrated powertrain systems. Our offering, which is underpinned by our performance-based agreements, upgrades, lifecycle solutions, decarbonisation services, as well as an unrivalled global network of maritime expertise, delivers the efficiency, reliability, safety, and environmental performance needed to support a safe and sustainable future for our customers, our communities and our planet.
www.wartsila.com/marine

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,900 professionals in 199 locations in 78 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2025, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.2 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
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