Swiss marine power company WinGD has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its X-DF-M methanol-fueled engine. The company successfully completed the first commercial full-load test of its 10X92DF-M engine, running on more than 95% methanol fuel. The test was conducted at CSSC-MES Diesel (CMD) in Shanghai in mid-December.
The tested engine, a ten-cylinder, 92-bore model, is destined for the fourth vessel in a series of 16,000 TEU container ships being constructed for COSCO Shipping Lines at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) shipyard. This groundbreaking installation represents a step forward in integrating methanol as a viable fuel for large-scale marine operations.
Earlier vessels in the same series, currently equipped with single-fuel 10X92-B engines, will be converted to accommodate methanol after the commissioning of the first X-DF-M engine.
A Key Achievement for Methanol Propulsion
Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research & Development at WinGD, commented on the achievement:
“After validating the methanol technology on our 920mm bore Single Cylinder Test Engine, the 10X92DF-M is running smoothly at full load and according to our expectations. This achievement is a key moment in delivering on our promises to our customers considering methanol fuel, and I am grateful to our engine builder partner CMD and our colleagues across WinGD for their remarkable efforts.”
During the full-load test, the engine operated with less than 5% pilot fuel, achieving minimal pilot fuel injector opening times. WinGD’s site team at CMD confirmed excellent engine condition following the tests. Additionally, the engine demonstrated seamless transitions to diesel and methanol fuel at 45% and 75% load.
With testing proceeding on schedule, the engine is expected to be delivered to the shipyard within the agreed timeline.
COSCO Shipping Expands Methanol Fleet
COSCO Shipping Lines has further demonstrated confidence in WinGD’s methanol technology. Earlier this year, the company announced its selection of 9X92DF-M engines for an additional twelve 14,000 TEU vessels. This decision underscores COSCO’s commitment to exploring sustainable marine fuels and supporting the adoption of methanol technology.
A Growing Portfolio of Methanol Engines
WinGD now has an impressive 56 X-DF-M engines on order, covering a range of bore sizes. Discussions for additional engines are also underway, showcasing strong market interest in methanol-fueled propulsion solutions.
This milestone underscores the maritime industry’s transition toward cleaner fuels, with methanol emerging as a promising solution. As WinGD leads the charge, their advancements mark a significant step forward in decarbonizing global shipping.
About WinGD
WinGD is driving the decarbonization of marine transportation with cutting-edge sustainable energy systems. Their technologies focus on emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, hybridization, and digital optimization. With a legacy tracing back to 1893 as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business, the Winterthur, Switzerland-based company remains a global leader in two-stroke low-speed engines. As part of the CSSC Group, WinGD is committed to enabling a sustainable future in maritime operations.
Source WinGD