WinGD Secures Major Order for Dual-Fuel Engines
Swiss marine power company WinGD has recently achieved a significant milestone by securing an order for 16 X-DF dual-fuel engines. This order comes after a major ship owner made a late-stage switch from their originally selected engines. WinGD’s reputation for reliability and continuous innovation played a crucial role in this decision. The X-DF engines have been in operation since early this year, showcasing their effectiveness and operational success. This article delves into the details of this order, the features of the X-DF engines, and WinGD’s strategic position in the marine power industry.
Late-Stage Order Switch
The order for the 16 X-DF dual-fuel engines was received during the late stages of the newbuilding planning phase. This timing posed challenges, as the ship owner faced operational and delivery concerns regarding their initial engine choice. However, WinGD’s proactive approach and strong collaboration with the engine builder, shipyard, and ship owner ensured that construction timelines remained intact. The ship owner already had experience using X-DF engines on several LNG carriers, which likely influenced their decision to switch.
Volkmar Galke, WinGD’s Director of Sales, expressed satisfaction with the new order. He noted that while WinGD aims to be the first choice for customers, they were pleased to add a significant order to their books. The company has established itself as a leader in low-pressure two-stroke engines, thanks to its long-standing relationships with engine builders and shipyards. This strong network allowed WinGD to respond quickly to the ship owner’s change in engine type, ensuring a smooth transition without delays in construction.
Innovative Features of X-DF Engines
The X-DF engine series was first introduced to the market in 2016 and has since made a remarkable impact. With over 8 million reliable running hours logged and more than 800 engines either in service or on order, the X-DF engines have proven their worth. Notable advancements such as Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) and Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology have made the X-DF engines not only the leading low-pressure design but also more competitive than traditional high-pressure Diesel-cycle engines.
The latest iteration, X-DF2.0 with VCR, offers reduced operating costs and lower emissions. These features make it particularly appealing to LNG operators who prioritize efficiency and sustainability. The continuous development of these engines has enhanced their appeal in the LNG carrier segment. The recent upgrades have resulted in a smaller engine footprint, allowing for greater design flexibility in ships while maintaining high performance and efficiency.
WinGD’s Dominance in the Market
WinGD has dominated the market for newbuild vessels over the past two years, with X-DF powered vessels becoming a standard design. The company’s consistent development efforts with engine builders and shipyards have enabled the integration of X-DF2.0 engines with VCR into most standard vessel designs. This adaptability has positioned WinGD as a leader in the marine power sector.
Furthermore, WinGD has recently reorganized its operations to enhance cooperation at the vessel integration stage. This strategic move aims to better support ship owners who require ready solutions for emerging engine power needs. With a strong order book and a commitment to innovation, WinGD is well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry. As the company continues to push the boundaries of marine power technology, it remains a key player in the global shipping landscape.
