Wärtsilä, a leading technology group, has secured a significant contract to supply methanol-fuelled auxiliary engines for twelve new container vessels. These vessels, five for COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd and seven for Orient Overseas Container Line, mark the Chinese maritime sector’s largest order to date for methanol-fuelled newbuild vessels. The order, which was booked by Wärtsilä in December 2023, underscores the increasing demand for sustainable shipping solutions.
Each vessel will be equipped with a combination of three 8-cylinder and two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 32M engines, specifically designed for methanol-fuelled operations. In addition, the ships will feature Selective Catalytic Reduction exhaust cleaning systems and alternators, supplied through Wärtsilä’s joint venture company, CWEC (Shanghai) Company Ltd. These advanced technologies will contribute to reducing emissions and enhancing environmental performance.
The Wärtsilä 32M methanol-fuelled engine has received type approval certificates from several classification societies worldwide. Studies have demonstrated that using methanol as fuel can significantly reduce CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions, with green methanol derived from renewable sources offering even greater potential for carbon footprint reduction.
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, emphasised the importance of sustainable fuels in the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts. He stated, “With decarbonisation a major priority for the maritime industry, sustainable fuels, such as methanol, will play a vital role in helping shipping to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.”
Holm further highlighted Wärtsilä’s commitment to developing fuel-flexible technologies and products to support the industry’s transition towards greener fuels. He underscored the company’s long-term relationship with COSCO Shipping Lines and OOCL, expressing alignment with their vision for accelerating towards net-zero emissions shipping.
The container vessels for Orient Overseas Container Line will be constructed at the Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering yard, while those for COSCO Shipping Lines will be built at the Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering yard. These 24,000 TEU ships are scheduled to commence commercial operations in 2026, representing a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally responsible shipping practices in the Chinese maritime sector.
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