Winterthur, Switzerland – September 3, 2025 – In a pivotal move poised to reshape the decarbonisation trajectory of global shipping, WinGD, one of the world’s foremost marine engine developers, has joined the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII). This landmark collaboration marks the first time an engine designer has partnered with the MAMII coalition, underscoring the critical role propulsion technology plays in addressing methane emissions from LNG-powered vessels.
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Methane: The Climate Challenge Behind LNG’s Promise
LNG (liquefied natural gas), composed primarily of methane, has long been considered a viable transition fuel in maritime decarbonisation due to its lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. However, methane slip—the unburned methane released during engine operation—poses a significant climate concern. With methane being over 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period, even small leaks can undermine LNG’s climate benefits.
Recognising this challenge, the MAMII coalition, initiated by Lloyd’s Register’s Safetytech Accelerator in 2022, seeks to accelerate innovation in methane measurement, monitoring, and abatement. The initiative has united shipowners, class societies, technology firms, and now, crucially, engine developers, to push for scalable solutions.
WinGD’s Pioneering Role
WinGD’s entry into MAMII represents a strategic breakthrough. As a global leader in two-stroke low-speed marine engines, WinGD not only provides propulsion systems for LNG-fueled ships but also leads in advancing emission-reduction technologies. The company brings to MAMII a treasure trove of operational data, engineering expertise, and a proven track record in methane reduction.
“If the industry wants to tackle methane in a serious and credible way, it must start with the engine,” said Panos Mitrou, Chair of MAMII. “WinGD’s involvement gives us deeper visibility into how methane slip happens, and where the most promising solutions can come from.”
WinGD has made substantial progress in recent years. Methane slip from its engines has decreased from 1.7% of gas volume a decade ago to less than 0.8% today, with an ambitious target of 0.5% or below in the near future. Yet, the company recognises that technological improvement alone is not enough.
“To effectively reduce methane slip, we need to advance in areas beyond engine technology, including measurement, certification, and effective regulation,” said Dominik Schneiter, CEO of WinGD. “By joining MAMII, we’re reinforcing our commitment to a collective effort that’s accelerating at a pivotal moment for the industry.”
A Broader Industry Effort
MAMII’s growing coalition now comprises a cross-section of the maritime industry—from engine manufacturers to shipowners, fuel suppliers, and regulatory experts—working to close the gap between LNG’s theoretical climate benefits and its real-world environmental performance. The initiative supports pilot projects, independent research, and policy engagement, ensuring that methane management becomes an embedded practice across the maritime value chain.
“WinGD’s participation signifies a turning point,” added Mitrou. “Methane abatement isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a systems challenge. And solving it requires contributions from every link in the chain.”
A Turning Point in Maritime Decarbonisation
WinGD’s entry into the MAMII initiative is more than a partnership—it’s a call to action for the entire shipping industry. As the sector intensifies its push toward IMO 2030 and 2050 targets, tackling methane slip will be vital. The combined technical depth, industry influence, and environmental commitment brought by this collaboration may well define the next chapter in sustainable maritime propulsion.
About MAMII
The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) was launched in 2022 by Lloyd’s Register’s Safetytech Accelerator with a mission to unite maritime leaders, engine developers, fuel providers, and technology innovators in a coordinated effort to tackle methane emissions from LNG-fueled vessels.
Recognising the critical role methane plays in determining the climate impact of LNG, MAMII focuses on accelerating the adoption of proven and emerging technologies for methane measurement, monitoring, and abatement. The initiative supports a wide range of activities including pilot projects, independent research, and policy engagement, all aimed at bridging the gap between LNG’s theoretical environmental benefits and its real-world climate performance.
By fostering cross-sector collaboration, MAMII is shaping a more transparent, data-driven, and accountable future for methane management in maritime shipping—paving the way for LNG to serve as a truly sustainable transition fuel.
About WinGD
With roots tracing back to Sulzer Diesel Engine in 1893, WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd.) has evolved into a leading force in maritime propulsion innovation. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, the company is at the forefront of sustainable engine design, leveraging advancements in hybridisation, digital optimisation, emissions control, and fuel flexibility.
Backed by its global “Service by WinGD” network, the company provides 24/7 lifecycle support, genuine parts, and Swiss-engineered precision to ensure vessel performance remains optimised and compliant with evolving environmental standards.
Source WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd)