Swiss marine power company WinGD and marine engine manufacturer Hanwha Engine have produced the X72DF-2.2 – a world-first engine equipped with variable compression ratio technology. This low-emission engine technology, developed by WinGD for ships using both LNG and diesel fuel, maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces methane slip, aiding compliance with stricter emissions regulations.
The two companies held a ceremony at Hanwha’s headquarters in Changwon, South Korea, to commemorate the first factory acceptance test of the 5X72DF-2.2 engine with the VCR technology, which will be installed on an LNG carrier being built by Samsung Heavy Industries.
“Our VCR technology optimizes fuel efficiency, reduces emissions and leads to a significant cut in methane slip, making a material impact on a ship’s carbon intensity and operating costs,” said Peter Krähenbühl, vice president, Product Centre at WinGD. “With new emissions deadlines looming, our customers clearly see real value in this innovation, with over 160 orders already placed for VCR technology engines.”
“The world’s first production of an X72DF-2.2 VCR engine for an LNG carrier is not merely a technical achievement, but a milestone accelerating the shipbuilding industry’s transition toward environmental sustainability,” added Hanwha Engine’s CEO Moonghee Yu. “Moving forward, Hanwha Engine will continue to lead the industry by leveraging clean energy technologies to shape the future and make tangible contributions to marine environmental protection.”