Switzerland | November 25, 2025 – Swiss marine power company WinGD has signed a frame agreement with marine technology developer Panasia to upgrade its in-service X-DF dual-fuel LNG engines with the latest emissions abatement and fuel efficiency technology. The agreement, signed during Kormarine 2025, is a strategic move to help ship operators significantly reduce their exposure to maritime carbon pricing and keep existing LNG-fueled vessels competitive in the face of tightening European and IMO regulations.
The partnership combines WinGD’s unique expertise as the original engine designer with Panasia’s established capabilities as a system integrator for Chinese and Korean shipyards, creating a specialized, one-stop-shop for complex engine retrofits.
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Key Technology: Converting to X-DF2.0
The initial focus of the collaboration is on converting existing first-generation X-DF engines into X-DF2.0 engines, which match the fuel efficiency and low methane slip of WinGD’s latest newbuild models. This upgrade is achieved through the integration of two core technologies:
- Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER): This technology uses exhaust recycling to improve combustion stability when using LNG, which enables greater efficiency.
- Variable Compression Ratio (VCR): VCR automatically optimizes the compression ratio based on the fuel used and engine load, leading to significant fuel consumption reductions.
Dramatically Reducing Methane Slip
The combination of iCER and VCR technology yields a crucial environmental benefit for LNG bunkering: a major reduction in methane slip.
When combined, these technologies can reduce methane slip to around 0.7% of fuel gas volume—a more than twofold reduction compared to first-generation X-DF engines. This improved performance is key, as lower methane slip, alongside fuel consumption reductions, dramatically lowers the cost of compliance with both European Union (EU) ETS and proposed IMO regulations that penalize methane emissions.
Strategic Focus on the Korean Market
The frame agreement was strategically launched in South Korea, the largest market for X-DF engines since their introduction in 2016.
René Baart, Head of Retrofit & Upgrade Solutions at WinGD, commented on the regional significance:
“Korea has been the biggest market for X-DF engines since they were introduced in 2016. It was therefore natural that we start here as we aim to upgrade our installed base to the latest efficient technologies. We are delighted to have found a partner, in Panasia, with so much expertise in the equipment and system integration of both Chinese and Korean built vessels.”
Joseph Ohg, Head of Sales division at Panasia, confirmed the expanded service capability:
“This agreement builds on our strong system integration capabilities developed through supporting newbuild projects, and will allow us to deliver X-DF upgrades alongside our current ballast water treatment, scrubber and other retrofits for existing vessels. In partnership with WinGD we are looking forward to revisiting many of those vessels to ensure they can benefit from the advantages of cutting-edge dual-fuel LNG technology.”
WinGD and Panasia are already engaged in retrofit discussions with multiple ship owners, with WinGD having recently completed the first retrofit of its VCR technology on a CMA CGM vessel with promising initial results.
PANASIA: Pioneer of Eco-Friendly Marine Technology
PANASIA, established in 1989 in South Korea, is a leading developer and supplier of eco-friendly marine technology and control systems. The company’s core mission is centered on the belief in sustainable solutions, continuously investing in R&D to develop proprietary green technologies that focus on air quality, water quality, and renewable energy.
This commitment translates into crucial marine solutions for shipowners navigating strict environmental mandates, including:
- Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Scrubbers/De-NOx)
- Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS)
- Emerging Decarbonization Technologies like Carbon Capture & Storage.
PANASIA serves as a key system integrator for newbuild and retrofit projects, demonstrated by its partnership with WinGD to upgrade X-DF LNG engines to the more efficient, low-methane-slip X-DF 2.0 standard. With a global presence, including local offices in Europe (Rotterdam), China, and Japan, PANASIA is positioned as a technological pioneer dedicated to supporting the sustainable future of the maritime industry.
WinGD in Brief
WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel) is a Swiss marine power company that designs two-stroke low-speed engines for merchant shipping. Originating as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, WinGD today focuses on advancing the decarbonization of marine transportation through sustainable energy systems. Its core product, the X-DF dual-fuel engine, is central to the industry’s shift toward LNG and future low-carbon fuels. The company provides tailored 24/7 lifecycle engine support through Global Service by WinGD.
Source: WinGD