Swiss marine power company WinGD and South Korean marine engine manufacturer Hanwha Engine claim to have produced the world's first X72DF-2.2 VCR engine equipped with variable compression ratio (VCR) technology for LNG carriers.

The low-emission engine technology, developed by WinGD for ships using both LNG and diesel fuel, is said to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce methane slip, enabling vessels to operate more cleanly and cost-effectively, ensuring compliance with stricter emissions regulations.

The X72DF-2.2 VCR engine incorporates variable compression ratio technology, which allows the engine to adjust its compression ratio during operation.

Variable compression ratio technology is designed to optimise engine performance across different operating conditions. By adjusting the compression ratio, the engine can potentially improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions depending on operational requirements.

Peter Krähenbühl, Vice President Product Centre, WinGD, commented: "Our VCR technology optimises fuel efficiency, reduces emissions and leads to a significant cut in methane slip, making a material impact on a ship's carbon intensity and operating costs. With new emissions deadlines looming, our customers clearly see real value in this innovation, with over 160 orders already placed for VCR technology engines."

The two companies held a ceremony at Hanwha’s headquarters in Changwon to commemorate the first factory acceptance test of the 5X72DF-2.2 engine with the VCR technology, which is to be installed on an LNG carrier being built by Samsung Heavy Industries for a major global initiative in LNG transportation.

Moonghee Yu, CEO of Hanwha Engine, who attended the ceremony, noted that his company has already secured orders for 70 VCR-applied engines worth $500m.

Yu remarked: "The world's first production of an X72DF-2.2 VCR engine for an LNG carrier is not merely a technical achievement, but a milestone accelerating the shipbuilding industry's transition towards environmental sustainability. Moving forward, Hanwha Engine will continue to lead the industry by leveraging clean energy technologies to shape the future and make tangible contributions to marine environmental protection."

WinGD, based in Switzerland and with a significant presence in East Asia, specialises in marine power systems, while Hanwha Engine is part of South Korea's Hanwha Group and focuses on marine engine manufacturing.

The collaboration represents a partnership between WinGD's engine design expertise and Hanwha Engine's manufacturing capabilities in the marine propulsion sector.