WinGD and HSD to develop big-bore methanol-fuelled engines

Swiss marine power company, WinGD, and South Korea’s HSD Engine have established a joint development project to focus on the development of WinGD’s methanol-fuelled big-bore engines. The engine partners are aiming to have an engine capable of operating on green methanol by 2024.

The project will focus on the two largest engines in WinGD’s portfolio, the X92 and X82. These engines will be suitable for large and ultra-large container ships where WinGD sees growing interest in the fuel. The company has also noted interest from the bulk carrier and tanker segments, but at a lower level so far.

Under the terms of the agreements, WinGD will focus on combustion and injection research, exhaust gas aftertreatment requirements, and engine concept design. HSD will provide engine testing facilities, support cost-effective manufacturing and assembly, and deliver fuel supply and exhaust aftertreatment systems.

WinGD’s Dominik Schneiter, vice president R&D, commented: “With new fuels, new materials are needed and manufacturers’ involvement in design is critical to ensure that engines can be produced at reasonable costs and in a reasonable timeframe. HSD is well-known as a high-class engine builder that will be able to support WinGD in delivering the methanol-fueled two-stroke engines that our customers will be seeking for their vessels in the near future.”