Swiss marine power company WinGD is expected to acquire the majority of dual-fuel engine orders for LNG carriers under construction in the second phase of QatarEnergy’s newbuilding project.
QatarEnergy will make first choices on the remaining vessels shortly, with the gas carriers operating on long-term contracts.
The early support for WinGD’s newest X-DF technology comes after significant orders in the first wave of newbuilding last year, when shipowners chartering to QatarEnergy ordered 25 vessels powered by the low-pressure, dual-fuel two-stroke engines. Based on initial decisions, that number will be exceeded in the second phase.
READ: WinGD set to deliver dual-fuel ammonia engines in 2025
WinGD Director Sales, Volkmar Galke, said: “QatarEnergy, shipyards and owners were clear in their endorsement of X-DF in the last round of the project.
“We are confident that our latest efficiency technologies allow us to build on that success in the current round. Alongside our well-established engine platform, these technologies have provided a further point of difference for WinGD’s offering, increasing the lead over other engine concepts.”
Among the additional advancements to X-DF, WinGD launched Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology in June, a simple hydraulic solution that optimises engine compression ratio – and hence economy and emissions – based on fuel type and engine load.
When applied to X-DF engines, VCR saves fuel and emissions in both petrol and diesel modes, allowing operators to choose the most cost-effective fuel.
On-engine iCER technology, a small combustion control system that improves emissions and fuel economy, was adopted by numerous LNG carriers in the first round, just months after its introduction.
In November 2023, WinGD announced it would install its new VCR technology on two new dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels being built for NYK Line.
