Retrofits key to compliant, efficient fleet, says WinGD

With tightening emissions regulations and rising fuel costs, retrofitting existing ships is emerging as a practical path to compliance and competitiveness.

“The path to net zero runs through the ships already in service,” said WinGD’s head of Retrofit Solutions, René Baart. “Retrofits give owners flexibility to reduce emissions and extend asset value today.”

Options range from fuel conversions and emissions-abatement systems to hybrid power installations and digital optimisation tools. Converting diesel engines to dual-fuel operation on LNG, methanol or ammonia is the most visible route. WinGD X and X-DF engines are designed for such upgrades, involving cylinder head replacement, new injectors and modified controls.

Conversions typically take about three months, while simpler measures such as Automated Sequential Turbocharging or intelligent combustion control can improve efficiency and EEXI/CII ratings.

Digital systems like WinGD’s WiDE platform support real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance to reduce operating costs.

Baart cautioned that capacity for retrofits will tighten as compliance deadlines approach. “Shipowners who act early gain compliance and emissions benefits while securing long-term value from their assets,” he said. Retrofits, he added, are “the commercially sensible bridge to a compliant and sustainable future”.