WinGD and Korean engine builder HSD Engine have initiated a Joint Development Project (JDP) to advance the development of WinGD’s methanol-fueled big-bore engines.
The aim is to deliver an engine capable of running on carbon-neutral green methanol by 2024. Under the JDP, WinGD will oversee combustion and injection research, exhaust aftertreatment requirements and engine concept design. HSD Engine will provide support on cost-effective manufacturing and assembly, provide engine testing capabilities and deliver fuel supply and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
The JDP will focus on some of the largest engines in the WinGD portfolio, the X92 and X82. These engines will be suitable for the larger and ultra-large container ships in which WinGD sees rapidly growing interest in green methanol. Demand is also growing, albeit at a slower pace, in the bulk carrier and tanker segments.
The project is the latest partnership with engine builders aimed at accelerating the development of WinGD engines capable of running on new fuels. According to Dominik Schneiter, VP R&D, WinGD, multiple collaborations are essential to meet expectations of all shipbuilding markets and to jointly develop engine builders’ capabilities in testing and designing for new fuels.
With new fuels, new materials are needed and manufacturers’ involvement in design is critical to ensure that engines can be produced at reasonable costs and in a reasonable timeframe