Dominik Schneiter (WinGD):“With new fuels, new materials are needed and manufacturers’ involvement in design is critical to ensure engines can be produced at reasonable costs and in a reasonable timeframe” (source: WinGD)
WinGD and HSD Engine have initiated a joint development project (JDP) to advance the development of WinGD’s methanol, dual-fuel, two-stroke engines
The aim of the JDP between the Swiss engine designer and South Korean enginebuilder is to deliver a big-bore dual-fuel engine capable of running on methanol (or biomethanol or green methanol when available) by 2024. This would provide shipowners with a two-stroke engine that offers a pathway to meet IMO’s 2050 target – and to reach net-zero emissions – with their next generation of vessels.
Under the JDP, WinGD will oversee combustion and injection research, exhaust aftertreatment requirements and engine concept design. HSD Engine will provide support on cost-effective manufacturing and assembly, provide engine testing capabilities and deliver fuel supply and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
“With new fuels, new materials are needed and manufacturers’ involvement in design is critical to ensure that engines can be produced at reasonable cost and in a reasonable timeframe”, said WinGD vice president R&D Dominik Schneiter. “HSD is well-known as a high-class engine builder that will be able to support WinGD in delivering the methanol-fuelled two-stroke engines our customers will be seeking for their vessels in the near future.”
Added HSD Engine vice president engineering and technology Jong-Tae Choi, “Collaborating with WinGD on this project will place HSD Engine in a prime position to serve its shipyard and shipowner customers with the clean fuel solutions they need to reach approaching emissions regulations”.
The JDP will focus on some of the largest engines in the WinGD portfolio, the X92 and X82. These engines will be suitable for the large and ultra-large container ships in which WinGD sees rapidly growing interest in green methanol. Demand is also growing, albeit at a slower pace, in the bulk carrier and tanker segments.
The project is the latest partnership with engine builders aimed at accelerating the development of WinGD engines capable of running on new fuels. Mr Schneiter explained that multiple collaborations are essential to meet the expectations of all shipbuilding markets and to jointly develop engine builders’ capabilities in testing and designing for new fuels.
