Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to provide methanol-fueled auxiliary engines for twelve new 24,000 TEU containerships owned by Chinese shipping companies COSCO Shipping Lines and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL).
As informed, the auxiliary engines are scheduled to be delivered for five COSCO’s boxships and seven for OOCL’s vessels. Each vessel will operate with three 8-cylinder and two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 32M engines.
OOCL’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 vessels at the Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering yard.
The boxships are expected to commence commercial operations in 2026.
Wärtsilä’s 32M methanol-fueled engine has received type approval certificates from several classification societies, including China Classification Society (CCS).
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, according to Finnish company.
“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,” said Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation.
“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.”