WinGD, the Swiss marine powerhouse, has just pulled off a monumental feat with its variable compression ratio (VCR) technology, and the maritime industry is buzzing with anticipation. The company has wrapped up shop tests for its groundbreaking VCR tech, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The new X-DF engines with VCR technology are not just delivering on methane reductions but are also offering a significant total system cost and fuel cost advantage for several vessel applications. This isn’t just a win for WinGD; it’s a game-changer for the entire shipping sector.
The shop test, conducted at Mitsui E&S DU (MESDU) facilities in Japan, showcased a six-cylinder, 62-bore engine that achieved around 30% fewer methane emissions than its non-VCR counterpart. This isn’t just a marginal improvement; it’s a massive leap forward. The total slip was reduced to around 0.83% of gas consumption, which is less than half the EU (and provisional IMO) default slip attributed to low-pressure, low-speed dual-fuel engines in maritime regulations. And get this, the reduction is expected to be even greater for engines with a larger bore. This is a clear indication that WinGD is not just tinkering around the edges; they’re redefining the playing field.
Peter Krähenbühl, WinGD Vice President Product Centre, put it bluntly: “Over the past decade we’ve worked to ensure that the unmatched reliability and low capital expenditure of X-DF engines are supported by the lowest possible overall GHG emissions. The fuel consumption and methane slip reductions achieved by VCR bring us to that point. Low GHG emissions will be fundamental for shipowners as carbon pricing measures take effect, which is why we have already seen strong uptake, with well over 100 new X-DF engines ordered with VCR so far.”
The implications of this breakthrough are vast. As carbon pricing measures take effect, shipowners will be under immense pressure to reduce their GHG emissions. WinGD’s VCR technology offers a clear pathway to compliance, and it’s no surprise that there’s already strong uptake. The technology’s ability to adjust the engine compression ratio automatically to optimise combustion based on engine load, fuel type, and ambient conditions is a game-changer. It’s not just about reducing emissions; it’s about doing so efficiently and cost-effectively.
The significant reduction in methane slip was achieved alongside a fuel reduction of up to 5.8% in gas mode and up to 6.9% in diesel mode. This isn’t just about environmental compliance; it’s about making economic sense. The charts showing how those improvements affect the fuel cost and CO2 equivalent emissions compared to previous X-DF engine technologies and a high-pressure engine counterpart for a typical car carrier operating profile paint a compelling picture. Shipowners are going to be looking at these numbers and seeing dollar signs—and that’s a powerful motivator.
But WinGD isn’t resting on its laurels. The company is already supporting the development of mechanisms to update default methane slip factors and to allow shipping companies to supply their actual methane slip measurements. This means that ship operators can reduce carbon costs based on any improvement in methane slip. WinGD is actively engaging in the regulatory process through various associations, ensuring that its innovations are not just technically sound but also compliant with evolving regulations.
The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and WinGD’s VCR technology is a beacon of hope. It offers a transitional pathway for LNG as a marine fuel, with fossil LNG steadily being replaced by zero or near-zero emissions variants from biomass and ultimately synthetic sources. Reducing methane emissions supports reduced GHG impact regardless of the source of LNG. This is a future-proof solution, and it’s exactly what the industry needs.
WinGD’s efforts to further improve its LNG engine platform come alongside its ammonia- and methanol-fuelled engines, ensuring that ship operators are able to choose the most cost-effective fuel to support their selected decarbonisation pathway. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about providing options. It’s about giving shipowners the tools they need to navigate the complex landscape of decarbonisation.
The future of the maritime industry is being shaped by innovations like WinGD’s VCR technology. As the sector grapples with the challenges of reducing GHG emissions and navigating complex regulations, technologies that offer both environmental and economic benefits will be in high demand. WinGD’s breakthrough is a clear indication that the future is bright—and it’s powered by innovation. The maritime industry is watching, and it’s ready to embrace the change. The question is, who will follow WinGD’s lead and push the boundaries even further? The race is on, and the stakes have never been higher.
