WinGD completes first full-load running of X-DF-M engine on methanol fuel

The ten-cylinder, 92-bore 10X92DF-M engine underwent testing on a testbed at CSSC-MES Diesel (CMD) in Shanghai in mid-December.

The engine is destined for installation on the fourth vessel in a series of 16,000 TEU container ships under construction for COSCO Shipping Lines at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) shipyard. Earlier vessels in the series, equipped with single-fuel 10X92-B engines, are set to be converted for methanol operation once the first X-DF-M engine is commissioned.

WinGD vice president research & development Sebastian Hensel stated: “After validating the methanol technology on our 920mm bore Single Cylinder Test Engine, the 10X92DF-M is running smoothly at full load and according to our expectations. This achievement is a key moment in delivering on our promises to our customers considering methanol fuel, and I am grateful to our engine builder partner CMD and our colleagues across WinGD for their remarkable efforts.”

During testing, the engine operated with less than 5% pilot fuel and minimal pilot fuel injector opening times. The WinGD site team at CMD reported excellent engine condition after full methanol operation. Tests of the trip function to diesel fuel and switching to methanol at 45% and 75% engine load were also successfully conducted. Engine testing is progressing on schedule, with delivery to the yard planned within the agreed timeline.

Earlier this year, COSCO Shipping Lines confirmed the selection of 9X92DF-M engines for an additional twelve 14,000 TEU vessels, underscoring its commitment to methanol technology. In total, WinGD has 56 X-DF-M engines on order across various bore sizes, with discussions ongoing for additional orders.