Wärtsilä receives orders for 72 fixed pitch propellers to China

Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release 20 December 2007 at 12:00 UTC+2

The propeller manufacturer and joint-venture company Wärtsilä CME Zhenjiang Propeller Co Ltd signed contracts in November to deliver a total of 72 fixed pitch propellers (FPP) at a value of approximately EUR 30 million.

The company will deliver the propellers to six of China’s leading shipbuilders for vessels due to be delivered between 2009 and 2011.

The propellers, with diameters ranging from 6.1 – 8.2 meters, will be for installation to different types of vessels including oil tankers, containerships and bulk carriers.

“These orders come at a time when Wärtsilä CME has almost fully implemented its new production facility for large fixed pitch propellers and shaft line packages. These latest orders mark a significant milestone in the success of the joint venture,” says Arto Lehtinen, General Manager, Wärtsilä CME.

Since the June inauguration of the facility, Wärtsilä CME has manufactured and delivered 48 large fixed pitch propellers. Wärtsilä CME’s facility in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, has an annual output capacity of 4500 tonnes. The new plant has doubled the company’s production capacity for FPPs.

Wärtsilä CME is the biggest manufacturer of this type of propellers in China and one of the biggest in the world. Wärtsilä CME Zhenjiang Propeller Co Ltd was established in 2004 as a joint venture between Wärtsilä (55%) and Zhenjiang CME Ltd (45%). Zhenjiang CME Ltd is a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

Further information

Ms Eeva Kainulainen, VP Corporate Communications, tel: +358 10 709 5235
Mr Arto Lehtinen, General Manager, Wärtsilä CME, tel: +86 136 5529 6665

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä enhances the business of its customers by providing them with complete lifecycle power solutions. When creating better and environmentally compatible technologies, Wärtsilä focuses on the marine and energy markets with products and solutions as well as services. Through innovative products and services, Wärtsilä sets out to be the most valued business partner of all its customers. This is achieved by the dedication of more than 15,000 professionals manning 150 Wärtsilä locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on The Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland.