Winterthur, Switzerland | September 30, 2025 – In a bold leap towards sustainable shipping, WinGD, the Swiss leader in marine engine innovation, announced today it will introduce the world’s first ethanol-fuelled two-stroke marine engine in 2026. This milestone represents a major advance in decarbonizing the maritime industry by providing shipowners and operators a powerful, reliable, and lower-carbon propulsion solution for newbuild and retrofit vessels, with deliveries commencing in 2027.
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Building on Proven Methanol Technology and Over a Decade of Research
Building on over a decade of rigorous research, testing, and development, WinGD’s ethanol engine emerges from the proven foundations of its X-DF-M methanol-fuelled engine platform—already highly regarded by operators and class societies worldwide for its safety, performance, and environmental benefits. The ethanol engine will leverage the diesel-cycle combustion concept and incorporate specially adapted fuel injection systems and control strategies tailored to ethanol’s higher energy density and lower volumetric fuel needs.
A Decade of Commitment to Sustainable Marine Fuels
WinGD’s journey with ethanol fuel dates back to 2014, starting with a Swiss Federal Office of Energy-sponsored project and evolving through collaborations like the EU-funded HERCULES 2 initiative, which developed flexible alcohol fuel injectors. Ethanol’s renewable credentials—being sustainably produced from biomass—and competitive market availability position it as a compelling alternative marine fuel aligned with stringent upcoming global emissions regulations.
Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research & Development at WinGD, commented “This announcement underscores the strength and continuity of our research program. Our early ethanol work laid the groundwork for the successful methanol X-DF-M engine, and now we are poised to rapidly bring to market the first ethanol-fuelled two-stroke engine. As emission regulations tighten worldwide, offering a robust, lower-carbon marine power solution is critical for shipowners and operators.”
Industry Collaboration and Future Plans
WinGD is actively engaging with shipowners, ethanol suppliers, and classification societies to finalize commercial applications and determine whether the new engine will be ethanol-optimized or feature a dual capability with methanol. WinGD also recently joined as a founding member of the Global Ethanol Association, further cementing its commitment to advancing ethanol in the marine sector by connecting key stakeholders across the value chain.
“With deep expertise and firm dedication to ethanol as a marine fuel, shipowners can trust WinGD to deliver an engine matching the reliability, efficiency, and performance of our established dual-fuel portfolio,” added Hensel.
Further technical details and commercial insights will be unveiled in WinGD’s upcoming Low-Speed Engines Booklet, scheduled for early 2026.
Deepening Commitment: WinGD Supports Global Ethanol Push Through Engine Innovation
Earlier this month, on September 5th, 2025, the Global Ethanol Association (GEA) was officially launched in Neuchâtel, Switzerland—marking a significant milestone in the global effort to position ethanol as a clean, scalable, and cross-sector fuel solution. Among its core focuses is maritime decarbonization, with the Marine Fuel Sector Initiative aiming to accelerate ethanol integration into global shipping. As a founding member of the GEA, WinGD brings critical technological expertise to the table, supporting the Association’s goals with a proven track record in multi-fuel engine innovation.
“In our experience, collaboration is the key to accelerating the energy transition in shipping, so joining the Global Ethanol Association as a founding member was a clear decision,” said Dominik Schneiter, CEO of WinGD. “Our advanced multi-fuel engine technology enables shipowners to adopt ethanol as part of the sustainable fuel mix. By working with GEA, we are helping the shipping industry meet its decarbonization targets with solutions that combine flexibility, reliability, and sustainability.”
WinGD’s development of the world’s first ethanol-fuelled two-stroke marine engine—set to launch in 2026—complements the GEA’s mission to foster collaboration across ethanol producers, shipowners, engine manufacturers, and policy stakeholders. Together, these aligned efforts represent a powerful push toward a future of low-emission, fuel-flexible global shipping.
About WinGD
WinGD advances the decarbonization of marine transportation through sustainable energy systems using cutting-edge emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, hybridization, and digital optimization technologies. Their two-stroke low-speed engines set industry standards for reliability, safety, efficiency, and environmental design. Supported by Global Service by WinGD, the company delivers tailored 24/7 lifecycle engine support with Swiss engineering excellence, dependable maintenance, rapid global response, and genuine parts to keep vessels performing at their best.
Founded in Winterthur, Switzerland in 1893 as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business, WinGD continues to power the transformation toward a sustainable maritime future.
Source: WinGD – Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd