In a significant stride towards sustainable maritime solutions, Swiss marine power company WinGD has clinched a deal to supply X-DF-M methanol-fuelled engines for a fleet of six container vessels. These vessels, each boasting a capacity of 9,000 TEU, will be constructed at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in China and are slated to be equipped with the cutting-edge X82DF-M engines, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD). The engines are scheduled for delivery in August 2025.
Expanding Horizons: WinGD’s Methanol Engine Orders Reach New Heights
This order not only marks WinGD’s foray into the 82-bore size category but also highlights the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable propulsion in the maritime industry. The firm had previously garnered attention with an order for four X92DF-M engines, powering ultra-large container vessels commissioned by COSCO SHIPPING LINE.
Volkmar Galke, Director Sales at WinGD, expressed enthusiasm about the order, stating, “This order confirms that our X-DF-M engines will be in service long before green methanol is widely available and before regulatory requirements come into force, giving operators time to build experience with the new fuel and engines.” He emphasized the strategic significance of securing an order from one of the largest and most influential container lines, underscoring a resounding endorsement of WinGD’s X-DF-M technology.
Pioneering Technology: X-DF-M and X-DF-A Engines
WinGD’s propulsion offerings include both X-DF-M and ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engines, set to be available for delivery from Q1 2025. The X-DF-M engines leverage the latest advancements in X-Engines, integrating high-pressure methanol injection for enhanced performance. These engines, such as the X92-B and X82-2.0, are already propelling some of the world’s largest container ships.
Key features of X-DF-M engines include comparable performance in both methanol and diesel modes, minimal pilot fuel requirements through precisely controlled common rail injection, and compliance with NOx Tier III standards in both modes, achieved through selective catalytic reduction. Moreover, the adaptable nature of this new engine concept allows it to be retrofitted to the existing X-Engine series once X-DF-M engines become available in the relevant bore sizes.
Setting Sail Towards a Green Future
The series of vessels, powered by WinGD’s revolutionary X-DF-M engines, is set to enter service in 2026 and 2027. This development underscores the maritime industry’s proactive approach towards adopting eco-friendly technologies, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and comply with stringent environmental regulations.
As the maritime sector navigates towards a sustainable future, WinGD’s innovative solutions play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s landscape. The strategic investment in methanol-fuelled engines by major players sends a clear signal to operators worldwide, encouraging them to explore alternative fuel options and embrace the transition towards cleaner, greener maritime practices.
