WinGD gains type approval for biggest and most powerful ever dual-fuel engines

WinGD’s dual-fueled X92DF engine, the first in a series that will power nine ULCS for CMA CGM Group

Classification society Bureau Veritas has awarded WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel) type approval for its dual-fueled 12X92DF engines, the biggest and most powerful LNG-fueled engines thus far built. They will power nine ultra-large containerships on order for the CMA CGM Group that will be the largest containerships powered by liquefied natural gas.

The first series of the engines is currently being built by China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC). WinGD is 100% owned by CSSC.

The type approval was awarded May 26, with guests from Beijing, Shanghai, Marseille, Paris and Winterthur joining a virtual ceremony to mark the occasion.

In a statement, CMA CGM said: “The certification ceremony marks a new stage in the construction of the CMA CGM’s nine 23,000-TEU LNG-powered vessels. These vessels are the world’s largest containerships powered by LNG. CMA CGM’s ground-breaking choice in favor of LNG is a major step forward and a clear illustration of our resolute commitment to environmental protection and to the energy transition of the maritime industry. This certification is a major milestone as it marks the recognition of the technological efficiency of our dual-fuel engine project.”

“The certification process of WinGD’s 12X92DF engine was a long process due to the size and complexity of the engine,” said Olivier Cartier, Technical Vice President, Bureau Veritas. “We mobilized our worldwide teams of engine specialists, especially in China, in France and in Germany, at each of the critical phases of the certification process. Progressive Type Approval Tests were necessary where at each test significant progress and refinement were noted, so that we remained confident that final certification at 100% of the power using gas as fuel was an achievable objective – and this has now been achieved.”

“With the type approval of our biggest engines to date, we are opening up the possibilities of LNG-fueled ship propulsion to yet another vessel segment, a testament to its cost-efficiency, reliability and sustainability,” said Klaus Heim, WinGD CEO. “This is an important step towards the sustainable energy transition within the shipping industry and we are incredibly proud of the role WinGD plays in this journey.”

The development of the X92DF engine builds on the expertise and experience gained from more than 500,000 operating hours for WinGD’s X-DF dual-fuel engine technology. That landmark came just under four years since the first engine went into service, highlighting the rapid uptake and the reliability of WinGD’s low-pressure concept.

WinGD has received 320 orders for its X-DF engines including 60 in operation. The X-DF has been the best-selling dual-fuel low-speed engine technology in the maritime market since the second half of 2017. As well as the first gas-fueled ULCSs, WinGD’s low-pressure X-DF technology also powers the first LNG-fueled Aframax shuttle tankers with VOC recovery and very large crude oil carriers.