WinGD technology to power QatarEnergy new builds

WinGD’s latest generation of X72DF-2.1 engine. (Illustration: WinGD)

WinGD’s latest generation of X72DF-2.1 engines will power 25 vessels as part of the QatarEnergy’s North Field East (NFE) project, reportedly the biggest LNG carrier newbuilding project in history. The 50 low-pressure dual-fuel engines which feature the new on-engine iCER were selected by multiple shipyards and shipowners.

The new on-engine configuration of WinGD’s intelligent control by exhaust recycling (iCER) was released in May of this year and reportedly has been met with swift uptake, providing improved fuel efficiency in both gas and diesel modes and a 50% reduction in methane slip compared to the first-generation X-DF.

One order as part of the Qatar NFE program is for two 174,000-cbm LNG carriers to be built for TMS Cardiff Gas at Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). The two vessels will be the first ships built by DSME to feature on-engine iCER.

Volkmar Galke, Director, Global Sales, WinGD said: “This huge order intake with on-engine iCER technology shows the need for proven and reliable dual-fuel engines as the LNG carrier ordering surge continues. Owners and operators are seeking fuel flexibility without compromising efficiency, emissions or CapEx. And the fact that all have chosen our latest compact, cost-saving configuration confirms that WinGD delivers the best possible solution to customers, giving them confidence in their investment for today and for the future.”

The company said advantages of X-DF low-pressure dual-fuel engines include low CapEx, low maintenance costs and ultra-low air pollution, reaching IMO Tier III NOx limits without aftertreatment. Since its debut in 2015, the entire X-DF fleet has grown to more than 350 engines in operation lending the deep in-service experience to the technology advancements available today.

QatarEnergy has reportedly secured approximately 60% of the global LNG shipbuilding capacity through 2027 to cater to its growing LNG carrier fleet requirements, which could reach more than 100 new vessels. A wide range of ship owners have tendered to build gas carriers that will be operated under long-term charters to QatarEnergy. The vessels are expected to be delivered between 2023 and 2027.

WinGD said its X72DF engine has become the standard for LNG carriers, with 224 in service and more than 130 engines on order.