- Taiwanese Operator Switches to Methanol Following IMO Net Zero Push.
- Methanol Gains Ground as WinGD Secures Major Engine Order.
- WinGD’s Methanol Technology Chosen Amid GFI Compliance Strategy.
WinGD reports that it has landed a significant contract to provide its XDF-M dual-fuel methanol and X-Engine methanol-ready technologies for over 30 container vessels ordered by a leading Taiwanese container ship operator. This development highlights not only the practicality of WinGD’s methanol engine concept but also the increasing impact of the IMO’s Net Zero Framework and GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) Standard on new ship orders.
Engine Orders Reflect Methanol Strategy
The latest order showcases a commitment to methanol with twelve 16,000 TEU vessels set to be outfitted with X92 engines designed for this fuel type. This comes on the heels of a previous order for twenty 8,700 TEU vessels, where fourteen will be fitted with X82 methanol-ready engines, while the rest will utilise X82DF-M dual-fuel methanol engines.
“Alongside engine capex and fuel efficiency, owners now need to consider which fuels they can access to in order to reduce IMO compliance costs. Our Taiwanese customer considered its fuelling strategy to reduce costs under the new GFI regime and we are glad that our engines will be part of their winning formula.” said Volkmar Galke, Director Sales, WinGD
Regulatory Influence Driving Fuel Choice
At first, the shipowner was leaning towards LNG dual-fuel engines for their latest fleet expansion. But after the IMO MEPC meeting in April and the green light for the Net Zero Framework, the company decided to change course and go with a methanol-fueled approach, keeping the option of using biodiesel until they fully transition.
“The customer’s strategy of adopting zero or near-zero emission fuels illustrates the shift that effective regulation can bring and why it is critical that the industry does not lose momentum as the final, crucial elements of the GFI Standard pricing mechanism are decided. A reward factor that closes the cost gap between conventional and clean fuels is essential if the industry is going to meet its decarbonisation targets,” said Dominik Schneiter, CEO, WinGD.
WinGD’s Engine Portfolio Supports Fuel Flexibility
WinGD is all about being ready for whatever fuel strategy ship operators choose. Their X-Engines (diesel) and X-DF engines (LNG) can handle a variety of blends, including biodiesel and biomethane. Plus, they’re rolling out the X-DF-M (methanol dual-fuel) and X-DF-A (ammonia dual-fuel) engines this year, which will help operators transition to zero or near-zero emission fuels (ZNZ) when the time is right.
A Retrofit-Ready Platform for Embracing Future Fuels
All of WinGD’s engines are built on a versatile, modular platform that makes it easy to switch to ZNZ fuels. The company is already diving into methanol retrofit projects, providing OEM-backed expertise and fostering strong partnerships with shipyards and engine builders to make these transitions smoother.
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Source: WinGD
