WinGD to begin first field trial of VCR technology on CMA CGM vessel
WinGD, a Swiss marine power company, is set to test its new variable compression ratio (VCR) technology aboard a vessel operated by the French shipping giant, CMA CGM. This marks the first field trial of the dual-fuel engine technology, following successful factory tests that demonstrated efficiency improvements with both diesel and LNG fuels.
The full-scale trial will commence after the dry-docking of a CMA CGM vessel, scheduled for September 2024. WinGD developed the VCR technology in June 2023, in collaboration with Japanese firm Mitsui E&S DU Co (MESDU). This technology dynamically adjusts the cylinder compression ratio based on factors like fuel type, ambient conditions, and engine load, representing a significant advancement in dual-fuel engine efficiency.
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Initially available for specific engine models, such as the X72DF, X62DF, and short-stroke X62DGF-S engines, the VCR technology aims to enhance performance while reducing both fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
CMA CGM views the trial as a crucial step toward achieving its Net Zero Carbon goal by 2050. WinGD’s Vice President of R&D, Sebastian Hensel, emphasized the importance of partnering with leading shipping companies like CMA CGM to validate the benefits of new technologies in real-life conditions. The VCR technology is also expected to minimize methane slip, a common issue with dual-fuel engines running on LNG, while improving operational flexibility.
