WinGD Achieves Breakthrough in Methane Reduction with Variable Compression Ratio Technology

Swiss marine power company WinGD has successfully completed shop tests of its innovative variable compression ratio (VCR) technology. The tests demonstrated that the methane reductions achieved by new X-DF engines with VCR technology are comparable to those of high-pressure dual-fuel technologies, while also offering cost advantages for various vessel applications. The VCR shop test was conducted at Mitsui E&S DU (MESDU) facilities in Japan, where the first X DF2.0 engines with VCR are being constructed for bulk carriers owned by NYK Lines. The results showed a significant reduction in methane emissions, with the engine achieving around 30% fewer emissions compared to the same engine without VCR.

Peter Krähenbühl, Vice President Product Centre at WinGD, emphasized the company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining engine reliability and low capital expenditure. The fuel consumption and methane slip reductions achieved by VCR technology mark a significant milestone in achieving low GHG emissions, which will be crucial for shipowners as carbon pricing measures come into effect. The reduction in methane slip was accompanied by fuel savings of up to 5.8% in gas mode and 6.9% in diesel mode, demonstrating the efficiency and environmental benefits of the VCR technology.

VCR technology allows for the automatic adjustment of engine compression ratio to optimize combustion based on various factors such as engine load, fuel type, and ambient conditions. This innovative solution can be applied to all new X-DF engines, and a retrofit package has already been developed and installed on a pilot case vessel, showing promising early results. WinGD is actively supporting the development of mechanisms in European and IMO regulations that will allow shipping companies to report their actual methane slip measurements, enabling operators to reduce carbon costs based on improvements in methane slip.

WinGD envisions a transitional pathway for LNG as a marine fuel, with a shift towards zero or near-zero emissions variants from biomass and synthetic sources. The company’s efforts to reduce methane emissions align with its commitment to providing cost-effective fuel options, including ammonia- and methanol-fueled engines, to support ship operators in their chosen decarbonization pathways. By continuously improving its LNG engine platform and supporting regulatory developments, WinGD aims to contribute to reducing the maritime industry’s environmental impact.

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