WinGD has received its 100th order for Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology.
This technology optimises combustion for X-DF dual-fuel engines based on fuel type and load.
The unique technology was introduced in June 2023 and has already become a popular choice for dual-fuel engine orders, particularly in the LNG carrier category.
A Middle Eastern shipowner has ordered four LNG carriers from a Korean shipyard, marking a significant milestone.
These orders join numerous others that have made X-DF engines and VCR technology the preferred choice for the LNG carrier category over the last year, with further orders coming from the pure car and truck carrier, bulk carrier, and containership categories.
Overall, approximately ten owners have chosen the new technology as an option for their X-DF engines.
WinGD Director Sales Volkmar Galke said: “Surpassing a hundred orders for our variable compression
technology called VCR in the first year is a phenomenal achievement and indicates the strong market
interest in technologies that can both reduce the environmental impact of gas-fueled engines and
eliminate any compromise in diesel performance.
“We’re grateful to those early adopters and see even greater opportunities for the industry to benefit from this unique engine technology in the future.”
READ: WinGD launches VCR technology on NYK Line newbuilds
VCR technology adjusts the engine’s compression ratio according on fuel type, engine load, and combustion behavior.
This implies that greater compression ratios may be utilised when running on diesel, boosting efficiency, and compression can also be adjusted when using LNG to improve performance and decrease emissions.
The simple hydraulic solution is the first instance of dynamic compression ratio change in a marine engine.
WinGD’s second X-DF2.0 technology, VCR, is an improvement to their current X-DF dual-fuel engine architecture.
READ: WinGD secures LNG carrier orders from QatarEnergy
The initial innovation, Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER), was highly accepted and has been used on the majority of LNG carrier orders in the last two years.
WinGD’s latest testing show that X-DF engines with iCER and VCR have lower fuel consumption and emissions than other low-pressure engine technologies.
On a system level, including main and auxiliary engines as well as fuel supply, vessels can achieve a similar fuel consumption and emissions profile to those powered by high-pressure, diesel cycle two-stroke engines, while maintaining a capex advantage due to the low cost of the required auxiliary system.
The innovative technology, together with the X-DF engine platform’s dependable in-service record of more than 7.5 million running hours, makes X-DF engines the clear market option for LNG carriers while remaining competitive versus high-pressure engines in other vessel segments.
Recently, CMA CGM trialled WinGD’s VCR technology onboard one of its vessels.
