- New VCR Technology Cuts Methane Emissions by 30% in X-DF Engines.
- WinGD’s X-DF2.0 Engines Achieve Lower Fuel Costs and GHG Emissions.
- VCR-Equipped Engines Now Ordered for Over 100 Ships.
Swiss shipboard power maker WinGD has successfully conducted shop trials of its groundbreaking Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology, affirming major reductions in methane emissions. The tests prove that novel X-DF engines with VCR can match greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of high-pressure dual-fuel technologies while creating a complete system and fuel cost benefit on various vessel applications, reports Win GD.
Successful Testing at MESDU Facilities
The VCR shop test was implemented in Mitsui E&S DU (MESDU) yards in Japan, where the initial X-DF2.0 engines incorporating VCR are being produced for NYK Lines’ operated bulk carriers. The 62-bore, six-cylinder engine saw about 30% lower methane emissions than the same engine without VCR, lowering total slip to less than half the EU and temporary IMO default slip factor for low-pressure, low-speed dual-fuel engines at about 0.83% gas consumption. The reduction is likely to be even higher in larger-bore engines.
Fuel Efficiency and Carbon Reduction Benefits
WinGD’s VCR technology not only reduces methane slip but also increases fuel efficiency. The benefits comprise up to a 5.8% reduction in fuel consumption in gas mode and up to 6.9% in diesel mode. The technology provides automatic adjustment of the compression ratio of the engine according to engine load, fuel type, and ambient conditions. This optimization results in reduced fuel costs and CO2 equivalent emissions, providing great benefits for shipowners as carbon pricing mechanisms become applicable.
Strong Industry Adoption and Regulatory Compliance
The industry response to VCR technology has been highly positive, with over 100 new X-DF engines already ordered with this feature. WinGD’s Vice President of Product Centre, Peter Krähenbühl, emphasized the importance of these advancements:
“Over the past decade, we’ve worked to ensure that the unmatched reliability and low capital expenditure of X-DF engines are supported by the lowest possible overall GHG emissions. The fuel consumption and methane slip reductions achieved by VCR bring us to that point. Low GHG emissions will be fundamental for shipowners as carbon pricing measures take effect, which is why we have already seen strong uptake, with well over 100 new X-DF engines ordered with VCR so far.”
Regulatory Impact and Future Prospects
European as well as IMO regulations will make it possible for ship operators to report actual measurements of methane slip, which will enable them to reduce their carbon expenses by illustrating emission reductions. WinGD plays an active part in regulatory shaping through several industry associations.
Assisting LNG Transition and Alternative Fuels
WinGD still views LNG as a bridging marine fuel, with fossil LNG being progressively replaced by low- or zero-emission fuels like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. The company is also developing ammonia- and methanol-fueled engine technologies, providing ship operators with several cost-effective options for decarbonization. By reducing methane emissions substantially, VCR technology also complements the environmental advantages of LNG, irrespective of its source.
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Source: Win GD
