The use of containers enables cargo to be transported directly to and from the warehouse or factory, not just from port to port. Container vessels make up approximately 13% of the world's merchant fleet in terms of the number of vessels. There has been a considerable rise in the amount of cargo being shipped in containers. This, in turn, has resulted in a rapid increase in the size and number of container vessels.
For the container vessel segment, Wärtsilä offers high efficiency, low emissions, common rail engines, plus a range of state-of-the-art propulsion products, automation, auxiliary equipment, and even ship design. Further information about our products can be found here.
Up to 12% savings in energy can be achieved with the Waste Heat Recovery system, especially with larger vessels, as it re-uses energy that would otherwise be wasted. By installing the WHR system, a vessel can be equipped with a smaller main engine or less auxiliary power.
Container ships can be categorized according to their TEU capacity and hull dimensions as:
| Vessel type |
Size |
| ULCV, Ultra large container vessel |
above 10000 TEU |
| Post-Panamax |
5000-10000 TEU |
| Panamax, see slide |
3000-5000 TEU |
| Feedermax |
2000-3000 TEU |
| Feeder |
1000-2000 TEU |
| Small feeder |
below 1000 TEU |
Wärtsilä offers designs for container vessels in many different size classes.
Further information can be found here.
