WinGD’s latest generation of X72DF-2.1 engines will power 25 vessels as part of QatarEnergy’s North Field East (NFE) project, anticipated to be the biggest LNG carrier newbuilding project in history.
The 50 dual-fuel engines feature the new on-engine iCER and were selected by multiple shipyards and shipowners. The on-engine configuration of WinGD’s intelligent control by exhaust recycling (iCER) was released in May of this year. It improves fuel efficiency in both gas and diesel modes and delivers a 50 per cent reduction in methane slip compared to the first-generation X-DF.
One order as part of the Qatar NFE programme 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.
The 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.
QatarEnergy has secured approximately 60 per cent of the global LNG shipbuilding capacity through 2027 to cater for 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 will be delivered between 2023 and 2027.
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.”
