Winterthur, Switzerland | December 1, 2025 – WinGD, the leading Swiss marine power company, has fundamentally recalibrated the propulsion options for the ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) segment with the introduction of its high-pressure LNG dual-fuel engine, the X-DF-HP.
Unveiled at Marintec China 2025, this new engine is a strategic response to the massive power demands and efficiency requirements of the world’s largest container ships, arriving at a time when the global regulatory landscape, marked by the paused IMO Net Zero Framework, is fueling a renewed, pragmatic interest in LNG-fueled tonnage. Tailored for uncompromising performance, the X-DF-HP, available in X82 and X92 bore sizes, promises a significant step-up in both fuel efficiency and GHG performance compared to existing high-pressure concepts, with first deliveries targeted for 2028.
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Addressing ULCV Power Demands
Swiss marine power company WinGD has introduced its first high-pressure LNG dual-fuel engine, the X-DF-HP, developed specifically for the demanding operating profiles of ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).
Unveiled at Marintec China 2025, the new engine arrives at a pivotal moment for shipowners navigating the energy transition, with the IMO’s Net Zero Framework currently paused and the prospect of regional regulation becoming increasingly fragmented. As a result, interest in LNG-fuelled tonnage continues to accelerate.
Tailored for Scale and Efficiency
Available in X82 and X92 bore sizes, the X-DF-HP is tailored to the scale, speed and load requirements of the ULCV sector, with first deliveries planned for 2028. Based on comparisons between the efficiency of WinGD’s established diesel engines and similar dual-fuel designs, the high-pressure dual-fuel concept is anticipated to deliver improved efficiency.
“Large container vessels present a unique propulsion challenge. They demand immense power, exceptional efficiency and long-term fuel flexibility. With the X-DF-HP, we are providing operators with a purpose-built solution for the most power-hungry vessels, offering uncompromised, trouble-free propulsion” Benny Hilström, Vice President, Market Development, WinGD
Streamlined Installation and Compliance
Available with the same auxiliary system requirements—such as fuel supply pressure—as other recognised engine concepts, it supports straightforward installation for shipyards and provides a practical, future-ready option for vessel owners. Achieving Tier III compliance in both gas and diesel modes using only a standard SCR, X-DF-HP offers operators a powerful, space-efficient and future-ready choice for the most demanding ultra-large container vessels.
“The X-DF-HP is built on the high-pressure Diesel X92-B engine platform that has already proven itself as one of the most efficient and reliable large-bore solutions in the container segment. Building on our long-standing diesel engine expertise and our deep experience in LNG dual-fuel technology, we’ve developed the X‑DF‑HP. Our tests and simulations show the X-DF-HP will deliver a clear step up in fuel efficiency and GHG performance compared to existing high-pressure dual-fuel engines on the market.” Sebastian Hensel, Vice President R&D, WinGD
Built on Multi-Fuel Platform
The X-DF-HP builds on more than a century of high-pressure Diesel cycle expertise and dual-fuel innovation at WinGD. It joins the company’s high-pressure, multi-fuel portfolio, which includes the methanol/ethanol-capable X-DF-M/E and ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engines. This provides operators with a fully fuel-flexible platform, with established engines such as the X92-B now able to be retrofitted for high-pressure LNG, methanol, ethanol, or ammonia as fuel pathways evolve.
LNG: Cost-Effective Decarbonisation Route
With LNG providing FuelEU Maritime compliance well into the next decade, and uncertainty remaining around future IMO requirements, LNG continues to offer a cost-competitive, low-risk route to fleet decarbonisation. WinGD’s X-DF (low pressure) and X-DF-HP engines are fully compatible with renewable methane blends, enabling operators to progress towards lower-carbon operations without extensive mechanical modifications or the high retrofitting costs typically associated with emerging fuels.
“For ultra-large container vessels choosing LNG as their pathway to net zero, the X-DF-HP is the most cost-effective option,” added Benny Hilström. “For all other vessels, the low-pressure X-DF platform continues to deliver the best lifecycle economics. Together, these propulsion options give vessel owners and operators complete confidence in selecting LNG—and WinGD—for the energy transition of their fleets.”
About WinGD
WinGD advances the decarbonisation of marine transportation through sustainable energy systems using the most advanced technologies in emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, hybridisation and digital optimisation. With their two-stroke low-speed engines at the heart of the power equation, WinGD sets the industry standard for reliability, safety, efficiency, and environmental design – supported by Global Service by WinGD, which delivers tailored 24X7 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, today it is powering the transformation to a sustainable future.
Source: WinGD