WinGD and CMA CGM to Trial Groundbreaking Variable Compression Ratio Technology on Dual-Fuel Vessel

WinGD and CMA CGM to Trial Groundbreaking Variable Compression Ratio Technology on Dual-Fuel Vessel

(IN BRIEF) WinGD is collaborating with CMA CGM to conduct the first real-world trial of its Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology on a dual-fuel vessel. This innovative technology, which dynamically adjusts the compression ratio in response to fuel type and operating conditions, aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The trial marks a significant step in CMA CGM’s efforts towards achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

(PRESS RELEASE) WINTERTHUR, 13-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Swiss marine power company WinGD is set to trial its innovative Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology on one of CMA CGM’s vessels, marking the first real-world application of this dual-fuel engine technology. This collaboration follows successful factory tests that demonstrated significant efficiency improvements using both diesel and LNG fuels.

VCR technology allows for the dynamic adjustment of the cylinder compression ratio in WinGD’s X-DF dual-fuel engines based on the fuel type, ambient conditions, and engine load. This adaptability leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a groundbreaking innovation in marine engine technology where compression ratio has traditionally been a fixed design element.

The field test with CMA CGM will involve a long-term, full-scale evaluation to verify the technology’s operability and reliability in real-world conditions. The VCR system is scheduled to be installed on the vessel’s WinGD RT-flex50DF dual-fuel engine during its dry-docking in September.

CMA CGM, committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050, is continuously exploring sustainable solutions for both new and existing ships. The integration of WinGD’s VCR technology is a significant step towards enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of dual-fuel engines.

Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of R&D at WinGD, praised the collaboration, stating, “Partnering with leading shipping companies is crucial to demonstrate the benefits of new technologies in real-world operating conditions. We commend CMA CGM for their commitment to sustainable shipping and for recognizing the potential of VCR to advance these goals.”

The VCR technology’s ability to improve operational flexibility, deliver fuel savings, and reduce methane slip will aid ship owners and operators in their journey towards decarbonization. WinGD also anticipates a gradual shift from fossil fuels to synthetic or biomass-derived LNG, along with ongoing efforts to reduce methane emissions from engines and throughout the fuel supply chain.

WinGD in brief

WinGD advances the decarbonisation of marine transportation through sustainable energy systems using the most advanced technologies in emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, hybridisation and digital optimisation. With their two-stroke low-speed engines at the heart of the power equation, WinGD sets the industry standard for reliability, safety, efficiency and environmental design, backed by a global network of service and support. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland since its origin as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, today it is powering the transformation to a sustainable future.

WinGD is a CSSC Group company.

Media Contact:

Anna Garcia
Director of Corporate Responsibility & Communications
E-mail: anna.garcia@wingd.com
Tel.: +41 52 264 8844

SOURCE: Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd