WinGD - Experts & Thought Leaders

Swiss marine power company WinGD has won an order for 16 X-DF dual-fuel engines after a late-stage switch by a major ship owner. The company was influenced by WinGD’s extensive track record for reliable operations, continuous improvements to the market-pioneering X-DF concept and successful operational experience since the first series of X-DF2.0 engines were delivered earlier this year.  New building planning phase The order was received relatively late in the new building planning phase as operational and delivery concerns The order was received relatively late in the new building planning phase as operational and delivery concerns arose around the engines originally selected. Despite the timing, close collaboration with engine builder, yard and ship owner – which already uses X-DF engines on several LNG carriers - ensured that construction was not delayed. WinGD Director Sales, Volkmar Galke said: “Although we aim to be the first choice, we were delighted to add to our orderbook from a significant customer. With the longest established low-pressure two-stroke engine in the market and strong relationships with engine builders and shipyards, we were well placed to pick up the process quickly once the owner decided to switch engine type.” High-pressure Diesel-cycle engines X-DF was first introduced to the market in 2016 and has since recorded more than eight million reliable running hours, with more than 800 engines in service and on the order book. Advances including Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) and Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology mean X-DF is now not only the pioneering low-pressure design, but also more competitive than high-pressure Diesel-cycle engines. X-DF2.0 with VCR offers lower overall operating and system costs, and emissions, making it a favourite amongst LNG operators. Next generation of X-DF engines The next generation of X-DF engines has significantly enhanced the appeal in the LNGC segment Recent upgrades to the next generation of X-DF engines have significantly enhanced the appeal in the LNGC segment. The latest version, 2.2, uses a smaller bedplate and A-frame tailored to the five-cylinder models usually deployed on LNG carriers. The result is a smaller engine footprint and greater ship design flexibility, with the same high performance and efficiency within the engine ratings typically used. Consistent development work with engine builders and shipyards means that X-DF2.0 engines with VCR can now be incorporated into most standard vessel designs. Engine power requirements Indeed, with WinGD dominating orders for newbuild vessels over the past two years, it could be argued that X-DF powered vessels are now the standard design.  And with a recent reorganisation intended to strengthen cooperation at the vessel integration stage, WinGD is geared to support owners that need ready solutions to any emerging engine power requirements.

Swiss marine power company - WinGD has secured further orders for its ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engine design in the growing ammonia carrier market. The engines, to be built at Yuchai Marine Power Co, will be delivered for a total of seven 25,000m3 and 41,000m3 LPG/ammonia carriers ordered by Tianjin Southwest Shipping. The vessels will deploy 5- and 6-cylinder versions of the 52-bore X-DF-A engines and are scheduled to enter service from Q3 2026. New orders The new orders highlight WinGD’s growing stake in the gas carrier market The orders will be built by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, a shipyard with strong experience in the construction of small- and medium-sized gas carriers. The new orders highlight WinGD’s growing stake in the gas carrier market, which is a vital link in the emerging global supply chain for green ammonia, as well as a pioneering segment for the uptake of ammonia as marine fuel. Role of ammonia in the hydrogen economy WinGD's Director - Sales, Volkmar Galke, said, "The demand for gas carriers is growing rapidly as the central role of ammonia in the hydrogen economy is becoming clear." He adds, "WinGD has already reported multiple orders of its new X-DF-A engine in this segment, and these new orders – a result of our strong relationships in the Chinese shipping market – further the transition towards a sustainable shipping industry that can operate on the zero-carbon energy sources it carries." X-DF-A ammonia technology WinGD has been developing its X-DF-A ammonia technology since 2019, following a systematic approach that prioritises safety and a deep understanding of the fuel’s combustion characteristics. The concept has been granted approvals in principle from several classification societies, giving ship operators the assurances they need to deploy them safely, with the first engines set to enter service in 2026. WinGD has secured close to 30 orders to date for ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engines, with sizes ranging from 52- to 72-bore, for vessels, including bulk carriers, gas carriers, container vessels, and oil tankers.

Swiss marine power company - WinGD has introduced an option for its X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines to be delivered capable of running on liquified petroleum gas (LPG).  The ‘pre-fit’ solution will be of particular interest to vessels under construction for the anticipated global trade in ammonia, which will also be capable of transporting LPG. X-DF-P Named X-DF-P for the propane that is LPG’s primary component, the solution will be released to enable first engine deliveries in 2027, when operators are likely to be considering in detail their anticipated balance between the LPG and ammonia trades. The engine, designed and optimised for ammonia fuel, will offer reliable and efficient running on LPG, with a minor modification preparing it to run on ammonia later. Smarter sustainable solutions WinGD Vice President R&D, Sebastian Hensel, said, "This development highlights our continuous innovation in support of smarter sustainable ship power solutions." He adds, "Our X-DF-A ammonia engine is already enjoying wide uptake amongst bulk carriers and gas carriers; the X-DF-P offers a valuable intermediate step for gas carrier operators who are keen to participate in the emerging ammonia trade, but are uncertain about the timing and impact on vessel engines and fuels." Ammonia trade The X-DF-P package will also enable operators using ammonia fuel to decide to use LPG in the future The ammonia trade worldwide is expected to grow significantly thanks to the chemical’s properties as an efficient energy carrier. These properties make it a viable medium for transporting hydrogen from distant renewable energy production sites to areas of demand worldwide. The X-DF-P package will also enable operators using ammonia fuel to decide to use LPG in the future. Multiple orders WinGD’s X-DF-A engine has already received multiple orders from operators planning to participate in the trade through the construction of multi-gas carriers, very large gas carriers, or dedicated very large ammonia carriers.  Its injection system can be adjusted for LPG with only minor modifications, while the material requirements of the two fuels mean that similar components can be used for each. Engine sizes under development are those typically used by trade-relevant vessels, including 52- and 62-bore.