In a groundbreaking development for the maritime sector, French shipping giant CMA CGM has become the first to adopt Wärtsilä’s new EnviroPac feature for its Wärtsilä 34DF constant speed engines. This innovation is set to play a pivotal role in reducing methane slip—a significant contributor to GHG emissions—while maintaining robust engine performance and compliance with IMO Tier 3 NOx regulations.
The feature, recently launched by Wärtsilä, will be incorporated into eight LNG-powered container vessels currently under construction at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) in China. Wärtsilä’s joint venture, CWEC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., secured the order for engines on the first two vessels in Q4 2024, marking a key milestone in the transition toward sustainable shipping.
Bridging the Gap with LNG
As the maritime industry strives to meet ambitious decarbonization goals, LNG has emerged as a critical transition fuel. While offering a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel, LNG combustion can release trace amounts of unburned methane into the atmosphere—a challenge Wärtsilä’s EnviroPac is designed to address.
The EnviroPac feature reduces methane slip by 50% compared to standard Wärtsilä 34DF engines, achieving this without compromising the engine’s impressive power output of 520 kW per cylinder. Notably, the reduction in methane emissions has a financial incentive for operators navigating EU waters, as it lowers costs associated with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime (FEUM) penalties.
A Fleet Built for Sustainability
Each of the eight 9,200 TEU vessels will feature two 6-cylinder and two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF EnviroPac engines, along with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to further minimize nitrogen oxide emissions. The equipment deliveries are scheduled to commence in early 2026, reflecting CMA CGM’s commitment to fleet-wide sustainability.
“This is a very important development that will have a major beneficial impact on our operations,” stated Xavier Leclercq, Vice President of Newbuilding at CMA CGM. “We are working hard to minimise the environmental footprint throughout our fleet, and this latest technology from Wärtsilä provides strong support to these efforts.”
Driving Industry Innovation
Wärtsilä Marine’s introduction of the EnviroPac feature underscores its dedication to pioneering solutions that address environmental challenges in shipping. The Wärtsilä 34DF engine, already a benchmark for efficiency, now offers enhanced methane reduction capabilities, aligning with global decarbonization efforts.
Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply at Wärtsilä Marine, highlighted the collaboration’s significance: “Our long-standing relationship with CMA CGM is once again enhanced with this order, and we complement them on their vision for actively achieving sustainability throughout their fleet.”
CMA CGM’s adoption of Wärtsilä’s EnviroPac-equipped engines represents a significant step forward in addressing methane emissions from LNG-powered vessels. As global shipping continues to evolve towards cleaner operations, innovations like these are critical for achieving industry-wide sustainability goals while ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations.
About CMA CGM Group
The CMA CGM Group, led by Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé, operates one of the world’s largest shipping fleets, serving over 420 ports across five continents. In 2022, the Group transported 21.7 million TEU containers and continues to innovate in logistics, shipping, and air freight services through its subsidiaries, including CEVA Logistics and CMA CGM AIR CARGO. Committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050, CMA CGM is pioneering the use of alternative fuels and sustainable logistics solutions.
About Wärtsilä Marine
Wärtsilä Marine is at the forefront of maritime innovation, offering power, propulsion, and lifecycle solutions tailored to a sustainable future. Its portfolio spans engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technologies, exhaust treatment solutions, and digital ecosystems. By delivering enhanced efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance, Wärtsilä is driving the shipping industry’s transition to a decarbonized future.
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in maritime power solutions, advancing the industry’s transition to sustainable fuels. With a robust portfolio of cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to decarbonization, Wärtsilä delivers the efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance needed for a sustainable future.
Source Wartsila Solutions