Wärtsilä has signed a lifecycle agreement with CMA Ships, a subsidiary of French shipping company CMA CGM, covering 14 large LNG-fuelled container ships already in operation.
Owners and operators of container vessels are said to be currently focused on optimising operations and maintenance more effectively so that their vessels can continue to operate flexibly, and in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. The scope of the agreement with CMA Ships will ensure operational reliability, whilst providing maintenance planning flexibility and long-term cost predictability.
Xavier Leclercq, VP Newbuilding, CMA CGM, said: “The management of new fuels such as LNG can be complex and costly. This agreement with Wärtsilä will help us secure ship operations and optimise engine maintenance costs. We appreciate the cooperation and support that Wärtsilä continues to provide us in meeting our customer needs as effectively as possible.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Wärtsilä will provide a full-service package that secures reliable operations at a fixed and minimised cost. The support provided by the agreement will be based on the use of Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight service, which leverages AI technology for predictive maintenance helping to improve asset efficiency and reduce operating costs. It will provide parts and maintenance services, dynamic maintenance planning and 24/7 remote operational support.
Andrea Morgante, VP Performance Services, Wärtsilä Marine, said: “Our partnership with CMA CGM has been long and mutually successful and we are pleased to continue it with this new agreement. CMA CGM are well known for delivering reliable, flexible and sustainable shipping services around the globe. It’s why this agreement has been tailored to meet their specific needs, giving them the peace of mind that their ships will continue to meet customer expectations.”
The 14 operational vessels, which sail between Asia and Europe, comprise five 15,000 TEU ships and nine 23,000 TEU ships. All ships operate with WinGD two-stroke main engines and Wärtsilä four-stroke auxiliary engines plus gas valve units (GVUs).
Image: Wärtsilä will be responsible for maintenance of 14 LNG-fuelled vessels (credit: CMA Ships)
