Swiss marine power company WinGD has reached a significant milestone by securing its 100th order for its innovative Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology. Launched in June 2023, this cutting-edge solution enhances combustion for X-DF dual-fuel engines by adjusting to the fuel type and engine load. The technology has quickly gained popularity, particularly in the LNG carrier segment.
The milestone order was placed for four LNG carriers, which will be built for a Middle Eastern shipowner at a Korean shipyard. Over the past year, VCR technology, combined with X-DF engines, has become the preferred choice for LNG carriers, with further orders coming from other ship segments such as car carriers, bulk carriers, and container ships. Nearly 10 shipowners have adopted this technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Volkmar Galke, WinGD’s Director of X-DF Engines Sales, expressed his enthusiasm: “Surpassing a hundred orders for our VCR technology in the first year is a remarkable achievement. It highlights the strong market interest in technologies that reduce the environmental impact of gas-fueled engines without compromising diesel performance.”
VCR technology allows dynamic adjustment of the engine’s compression ratio, optimizing performance for both diesel and LNG fuels. When using diesel, higher compression ratios enhance efficiency, while adjustments during LNG use further optimize performance and minimize emissions. This makes it the first-ever dynamic compression ratio adjustment technology applied in a marine engine.
The VCR is the second enhancement under WinGD’s X‑DF2.0 platform, following the introduction of Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER). Both technologies have been well-received, particularly in the LNG carrier market. Tests show that X-DF engines equipped with VCR and iCER technologies achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions than other low-pressure engines, while also providing cost advantages.
With over 7.5 million running hours logged on the X-DF engine platform, WinGD’s X-DF engines continue to dominate the LNG carrier market, standing as a competitive alternative to high-pressure engines across various vessel segments.