Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the engines, fuel gas supply system and thrusters for two new Ropax ferries being built for French operator La Méridionale, a subsidiary of CMA CGM. The vessels, which have been specifically designed to minimise emissions, are to be built at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) Co., Ltd., and will operate between Marseille and Corsica. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in April 2024.
Ferries are on the front line of the energy transition and are among the first sectors to target net zero-carbon operations. However, ferry operators face increasing pressure from customers who continue to expect a fast and cost-efficient service, which runs to a timetable, and is increasingly sustainable. Ferry operators, such as La Méridionale, are looking to leverage technologies which offer minimal service disruption and to maximise return on investment, all while reducing carbon footprint.
“The design of these two Ropax vessels reflects our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint within our own fleet. These will be among the most energy-efficient, low-emission ships in operation globally, and we value the support from Wärtsilä, whose technology and solutions help make this ambition possible,” says Xavier Leclercq, Vice-President, CMA Ships, CMA CGM.
The company will continue its efforts to reduce the environmental impact by adopting LNG as the primary fuel for the new ships as well as preparing them to operate on alternative fuels such as biogas and synthetic methane, as these become available at scale.
For each ship, Wärtsilä will supply two 12-cylinder, one 10-cylinder and one 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 31DF engines. The two ferries will benefit from Wärtsilä’s groundbreaking NextDF technology, which will be implemented in the Wärtsilä 31DF engines. Whilst operating on LNG, the NextDF version of the Wärtsilä 31DF further reduces methane emissions and nitrogen oxide (NOx) significantly (compared to the already emission-efficient standard Wärtsilä 31DF). The scope of Wärtsilä’s supply for this contract also includes the Wärtsilä LNGPac, a fuel gas supply system for LNG-fuelled ships, as well as Wärtsilä’s thrusters.
“The drive towards net zero emissions is one of the most important challenges facing the industry today,” comments Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine. “That’s why we are pleased to support our long-standing partners, CMA CGM and China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) Co., Ltd., with our integrated solutions – ensuring these ferries are able to benefit from outstanding fuel efficiency, operational reliability and a significant reduction in GHG emissions.”
The 180-metre-long ships will be able to accommodate 1,000 passengers as well as cargo freight. The Wärtsilä equipment for these ferries is scheduled to be delivered in mid- 2025, with the ferries expected to enter service during the first half of 2027, operating between Marseille and Corsica.
Media contact for more information on this release:
Isabella Alder
Positioning and Strategic Communications Manager Wärtsilä Marine
Tel: +44 (0) 7792 681 757
marine.media@wartsila.com
Image caption: Wärtsilä will supply the engines, fuel supply system and thrusters for two new Ropax ferries being built for French operator La Méridionale, a subsidiary of CMA CGM ©Stirling Design International
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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.
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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 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.0 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
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