The maritime industry just took a significant step toward cleaner, more efficient propulsion with the debut of the world’s first X72DF-2.2 engine equipped with Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology. Developed by Swiss marine power company WinGD and manufactured by Hanwha Engine, this engine isn’t just another piece of kit—it’s a game-changer for LNG-fueled vessels.
The tech behind it? VCR adjusts the engine’s compression ratio on the fly, optimizing combustion for both LNG and diesel. That means better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a serious reduction in methane slip—one of the trickiest challenges in LNG propulsion. For shipowners, this translates to cleaner operations and compliance with tightening emissions rules, all while keeping costs in check.
The engine’s maiden voyage begins at Samsung Heavy Industries, where it will power an LNG carrier. But this is just the start. WinGD’s Peter Krähenbühl revealed that over 160 orders have already been placed for VCR-equipped engines, a testament to the industry’s appetite for this kind of innovation. Hanwha Engine’s CEO Moonghee Yu echoed this, confirming his company has secured orders for 70 VCR-applied engines, worth a cool USD$500 million.
This isn’t just about one engine or even one ship—it’s about a shift in how the maritime industry approaches fuel efficiency and emissions. VCR technology could redefine the standards for LNG propulsion, pushing the sector toward a future where clean and cost-effective operations aren’t just possible, but the norm. The question now is: how quickly can the rest of the industry catch up?