WinGD, the Swiss engine designer, is taking a bold step to future-proof its installed base of X-DF dual-fuel LNG engines. Through a new frame agreement with South Korea’s Panasia, WinGD is targeting upgrades for its original X-DF engines, aiming to deliver second-generation emissions abatement and fuel-efficiency technology. This move is not just about keeping engines running—it’s about keeping them competitive in a tightening regulatory landscape.
The partnership, signed during Kormarine 2025, focuses on retrofits that bring existing X-DF engines up to the performance standards of WinGD’s latest newbuild engines. Key upgrades include intelligent control by exhaust recycling (iCER) and variable compression ratio (VCR) technology. These aren’t incremental tweaks; they’re game-changers. iCER improves combustion stability when using LNG, while VCR optimises compression ratio based on fuel type and engine load. Together, they can slash methane slip to around 0.7% of fuel gas volume—more than a two-fold reduction compared to first-generation X-DF engines.
WinGD head of retrofit & upgrade solutions René Baart highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “Korea has been the biggest market for X-DF engines since they were introduced in 2016. It was therefore natural that we start here as we aim to upgrade our installed base to the latest efficient technologies. We are delighted to have found a partner, in Panasia, with so much expertise in the equipment and system integration of both Chinese and Korean-built vessels.”
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about cost. WinGD emphasized that the deal will support ship operators in reducing their exposure to maritime carbon pricing, keeping existing vessels competitive for longer. With European and proposed IMO regulations tightening, the financial stakes are high. Improved methane slip means more than just environmental compliance; it means significant savings.
Panasia, a seasoned marine technology developer, brings system integration expertise to the table, with contracts spanning multiple Korean and Chinese shipyards. This partnership isn’t just about retrofits; it’s about integrating cutting-edge technology into existing vessels, ensuring they meet future demands.
The implications for the maritime industry are significant. Retrofits like these could extend the lifespan of existing vessels, delaying the need for newbuilds and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. It’s a proactive approach to decarbonisation, one that leverages existing infrastructure while pushing the boundaries of efficiency.
As the maritime industry grapples with the dual challenges of decarbonisation and cost management, WinGD and Panasia’s partnership offers a compelling model. It’s a reminder that the path to a sustainable future isn’t always about starting from scratch—sometimes, it’s about making the most of what we already have.