The signing ceremony marking the official opening of the CWE&A joint venture company (photo: Wärtsilä)

The technology group Wärtsilä has announced the opening of CSSC Wartsila Electrical & Automation (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.(CWE&A), the joint venture company with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The opening was announced on December 6th at the Marintec 2017 conference and exhibition in Shanghai, China. The new joint venture company will be headed by General Manager Christian Heinsohn.

CWE&A will focus its activities on China’s growing market in the marine sector especially within its rapidly expanding cruise industry, for advanced electrical and automation (E&A) solutions. Wärtsilä’s extensive range of systems relating to automation, navigation, and communication, dynamic positioning, electric propulsion, power distribution, onboard entertainment, architectural lighting, safety and security will all be available through CWE&A. The company will also offer project engineering, project management, commissioning, and supply management services.

“Shipping is becoming increasingly high-tech, and advanced E&A solutions are essential for achieving the best efficiency and greater safety. Furthermore, with digitalisation now an integral part of shipping’s future, Wärtsilä’s leading position in this field will enable CWE&A to fully meet the needs of its customers well into the future,” says Roger Holm, President, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

Wu Qiang, President of CSSC comments: “Helping to develop the luxury cruise ship building industry in China is an important measure for CSSC, and it involves raising our capabilities to the next level. The key to being successful is to build a local supply chain. We are glad, therefore, to work with Wartsila Corporation again to achieve a win-win cooperation in the Electric & Automation system field, and jointly promote the development of cruise supporting industries in China and the world.”

Wärtsilä and CSSC also have joint venture engine and propeller companies in China. CSSC Wärtsilä Engine Co Ltd (CWEC) serves its regional customers with medium and large-bore marine engines. CWEC has the first plant in China capable of locally producing large-bore, medium speed, diesel and dual-fuel engines. Wartsila CME Zhenjiang Propeller Co Ltd has the most modern controllable pitch propeller manufacturing facility in China, and is one of the biggest fixed-pitch propeller manufacturers in the world in this sector.

Tags: China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), CSSC Wartsila Electrical & Automation (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (CWE&A), Wärtsilä