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The classification society Bureau Veritas has granted its approval for the 12X92DF dual-fuel LNG/diesel engines of Wintherthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD), the most powerful thus far built, whose first series is already under construction at the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and will power nine ultra-large container ships (ULCS) owned by the French group CMA CGM.
These vessels, which will be the world's largest LNG-powered container ships, will mark a significant step in the path towards the energy transition of the shipbuilding industry.
The approval was issued following a series of in-depth tests under full load with both LNG and diesel operation. A virtual ceremony held on May 26, with guests connected from Beijing, Shanghai, Marseille, Paris and Winterthur, marked the moment of reference for the innovative engine technology.
WinGD, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, is 100% owned by CSSC. It is a leading developer of two-stroke low-speed engines, receiving 320 orders for their X92 dual fuel model engines until now, including 60 in operation.
Olivier Cartier, Technical Vice President of Bureau Veritas, commented on the approval: "The certification process of WinGD's 12X92DF engine was a long process due to the size and complexity of the engine. We mobilized our teams of global specialists from engines, in particular in China, France and Germany, in each of the critical phases of the certification process. Progressive certification examinations were necessary in which significant progress and improvements were detected at each test, in order to be sure that the final certification at 100% of the power that uses gas as fuel".
For his part, Klaus Heim, CEO of WinGD, said "With the approval of our largest engines ever, we are opening the possibilities of propulsion of LNG-powered ships to a new segment of ships, testifying to its efficiency in terms of of costs, reliability and sustainability ", adding that" this is an important step towards the sustainable energy transition in the naval sector and we are incredibly proud of the role that WinGD plays in this direction. "
Finally, the shipping company CMA CGM said: "The certification ceremony marks a new stage in the construction of the nine 23,000 TEU LNG-powered ships that will enter our fleet. These ships will be the world's largest LNG-powered container ships. The revolutionary choice of CMA CGM in favor of LNG is a great step forward and a clear example of our resolute commitment to the protection of the environment and the energy transition of the maritime industry".
Source: WinGD
