Supplies by Wärtsilä
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. These vessels, specifically designed to minimize emissions, are to be constructed 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 at the forefront of the energy transition, being among the first sectors to aim for net zero-carbon operations. Ferry operators face increasing pressure from customers who expect fast, cost-efficient, and sustainable services that adhere to a timetable. Operators like La Méridionale are leveraging technologies that offer minimal service disruption and maximize return on investment while reducing the 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.
Adoption of LNG and Alternative Fuels
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.
Industry’s Net Zero Goals
“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.
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Source: Wartsila
