WinGD has secured a landmark contract to supply its fuel-efficient 6X82-2.0 low-speed main engines for a series of 12 next-generation VLCC newbuilds being constructed at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding for Dynacom. Equipped with advanced scrubber and SCR systems, the fleet renewal project balances high operational efficiency with strict IMO environmental compliance to meet the evolving demands of the global crude tanker market.
Winterthur | July 1, 2026 – In one of the most significant bulk-tonnage propulsion deals of the year, Swiss marine engine developer WinGD has secured a landmark contract to supply main engines for a massive 12-vessel Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) newbuild programme.
The mega-order, placed by Greek shipping magnate George Prokopiou’s Dynacom Tankers Management, will see the entire series constructed at China’s prestigious Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. The move represents a massive capital commitment to fleet renewal at a time when the global crude tanker orderbook is under intense scrutiny ahead of tightening international carbon regulations.
Engineering the Next Generation of Crude Transport
Each of the 12 next-generation VLCCs will be powered by a single WinGD 6X82-2.0 low-speed, two-stroke engine.
To balance current high-sulfur fuel economics with stringent decarbonization mandates, the vessels will feature a comprehensive emissions abatement package. The configuration pairs WinGD’s baseline efficiency with:
- Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Scrubbers): Allowing the vessels to utilize lower-cost heavy fuel oil (HFO) while meeting global sulfur caps.
- High-Pressure Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Ensuring Tier III NOx compliance in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
The choice of the X82-2.0 platform highlights a conservative yet highly optimized approach to modern tanker design, opting for a deeply entrenched, mechanically robust workhorse that has a proven track record for high thermal efficiency and reliability on long-haul laden voyages.
Propulsion Profile: Dynacom VLCC Newbuild Programme
| Specification | Details |
| Main Engine | WinGD 6X82-2.0 (Low-speed, 2-stroke) |
| Number of Vessels | 12 VLCCs |
| Shipyard | Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (China) |
| Owner | Dynacom Tankers Management (Greece) |
| Compliance Systems | SOx Scrubbers & High-Pressure SCR (Tier III NOx) |
Strategic Context: Racing Against an Ageing Global Fleet
The timing of Dynacom’s 12-ship order underscores a broader macro trend in the maritime energy sector. The global VLCC fleet is facing a dual challenge: a rapidly ageing demographic and an incredibly tight shipyard matrix where container ships and LNG carriers have soaked up global berth capacity through the end of the decade.
With spot rates showing long-term resilience based on shifting global oil trade flows, particularly longer ton-mile voyages from the US Gulf and Brazil to Asia, owners with early delivery slots hold a massive competitive advantage. Dynacom’s multi-vessel play injects modern, highly efficient tonnage into a market starved for fresh steel.
“For owners investing in large crude carrier fleets, fuel efficiency, reliability and operational performance remain key priorities,” said Carmelo Cartalemi, GM Global Sales at WinGD Ltd. “We are pleased to support Dynacom with an engine platform that has consistently demonstrated its value in service.”
The Future-Proofing Dilemma: Retrofit Pathways
While the 12-vessel programme focuses on optimizing conventional fuel efficiency today, the maritime industry’s looming 2030 and 2050 environmental milestones mean no newbuild can ignore alternative fuels.
WinGD’s strategy for this order leans heavily on the digital and mechanical adaptability of the X82 platform. The engines will be integrated with the WinGD Integrated Digital Expert (WiDE) system, which provides 24/7 remote monitoring, data analytics, and predictive diagnostics to maintain optimal fuel trim and reduce auxiliary power loads during voyages.
Furthermore, WinGD is positioning this engine series as a baseline for future decarbonization pathways.
“Fleet renewal is not only about meeting operational requirements, but also about choosing a trusted partner,” Cartalemi noted. “Our broad propulsion portfolio enables owners to select the solution that best aligns with their business strategy today. As the industry continues to evolve, we are also developing retrofit and upgrade pathways across our portfolio to support customers responding to changing requirements throughout a vessel’s operating life.”
A Boost for Chinese Shipbuilding Sino-Swiss Alignment
The contract is also a major feather in the cap for Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. While celebrated for its high-spec LNG carrier builds, securing a prestigious 12-vessel VLCC series from a tier-one Greek owner cements the yard’s status as a premier builder for complex, large-scale tankers.
For WinGD, whose heritage traces back to the legendary Sulzer Diesel Engine business founded in Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1893—the deal solidifies its market share in the large tanker segment, ensuring that Swiss engineering remains a central pillar of global energy logistics.
WinGD in Brief
WinGD advances the decarbonization of marine transportation through sustainable energy systems, utilizing advanced technologies in emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, hybridization, and digital optimization. With its two-stroke, low-speed engines at the heart of the power equation, WinGD sets the industry standard for reliability, safety, efficiency, and environmental design.
This hardware is supported by Global Service by WinGD, which delivers tailored 24/7 lifecycle engine support through Swiss engineering excellence, dependable maintenance, rapid global response, and genuine parts to keep engines performing at their best. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since its origin as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, WinGD continues to power the transformation toward a sustainable future.
Source: WinGD