Swiss marine power company WinGD has unveiled its first high-pressure LNG dual-fuel engine, the X-DF-HP, designed for ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).

The company launched the engine at Marintec China 2025 on December 1, positioning it as a response to growing interest in LNG-fuelled tonnage amid uncertainty over international maritime regulations.

Available in X82 and X92 bore sizes, the X-DF-HP is tailored to the power and efficiency requirements of the ULCV sector, with first deliveries planned for 2028. WinGD claims the high-pressure dual-fuel concept will deliver improved efficiency compared to its established diesel engines and similar dual-fuel designs.

"Large container vessels present a unique propulsion challenge. They demand immense power, exceptional efficiency and long-term fuel flexibility," said Benny Hilström, vice president of market development at WinGD. "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."

The engine achieves Tier III compliance in both gas and diesel modes using a standard selective catalytic reduction system. According to WinGD, it uses the same auxiliary system requirements — such as fuel supply pressure — as other recognised engine concepts.

Sebastian Hensel, vice president of R&D at WinGD, said: "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. 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."

The X-DF-HP joins WinGD's high-pressure, multi-fuel portfolio, which includes the methanol/ethanol-capable X-DF-M/E and ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engines. The company said established engines such as the X92-B can be retrofitted for high-pressure LNG, methanol, ethanol or ammonia as fuel pathways evolve.

WinGD noted that LNG provides FuelEU Maritime compliance well into the next decade. The company's X-DF (low pressure) and X-DF-HP engines are compatible with renewable methane blends, according to the announcement.

"For ultra-large container vessels choosing LNG as their pathway to net zero, the X-DF-HP is the most cost-effective option," Hilström added. "For all other vessels, the low-pressure X-DF platform continues to deliver the best lifecycle economics."