Wärtsilä secures China’s largest-ever methanol newbuild order

25 April 2024

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the methanol-fuelled auxiliary engines for five new container vessels for COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd and seven new container vessels for Orient Overseas Container Line. Each vessel will operate with three 8-cylinder and two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 32M engines. This is the Chinese maritime sector’s largest order to date for methanol-fuelled newbuild vessels. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in December 2023.

To complement the solution, the ships will be equipped with the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust cleaning systems and alternators. These will be supplied through Wärtsilä’s joint venture company, CWEC (Shanghai) Company Ltd. (‘CWEC’).

The Wärtsilä 32M methanol-fuelled engine has received type approval certificates from several classification societies around the world. Studies have shown that using methanol instead of heavy fuel oil can cut CO2 and other GHG emissions. In particular, green methanol derived from renewable sources could achieve a further reduction in carbon footprint and thus becomes one of the central decarbonisation solutions for carriers in the future.

"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," says Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation.

Holm continues: "As a leader in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy industries, Wärtsilä continues to make strong investments in developing new fuel flexible technologies and products which enable the industry’s transition towards greener fuels. It’s why we value our long-term relationship with COSCO Shipping Lines and OOCL and are strongly aligned with their vision in accelerating towards net-zero emissions shipping."

The Orient Overseas Container Line’s 24,000 TEU ships are to be built at the Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering yard, and the COSCO Shipping Lines’ 24,000 TEU ships at the Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering yard. The vessels are expected to commence commercial operations in 2026.


The Wärtsilä 32M methanol-fuelled engine has received type approval certificates from several classification societies around the world. © Wärtsilä Corporation

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 17,800 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. www.wartsila.com

Wärtsilä Corporation press release