An LNG shipowner has made a last-minute switch to WinGD’s X-DF dual-fuel engine from MAN Energy Solutions’ ME-GA alternative, which was discontinued in October.
WinGD said on Tuesday that it had won an order for 16 X-DF engines after “a late-stage switch” by a major shipowner.
“The order was received relatively late in the newbuilding planning phase as operational and delivery concerns arose around the engines originally selected,” WinGD said.
“Despite the timing, close collaboration with engine builder, yard and shipowner — which already uses X-DF engines on several LNG carriers — ensured that construction was not delayed.”
The Chinese-owned, Swiss-headquartered propulsion system designer did not name the shipowner concerned or detail the owner’s previous choice of engine.
Sources following LNG carrier orders told TradeWinds that the newbuildings were originally contracted with MAN’s ME-GA engines.
In October, MAN ES said it would no longer be offering its G70ME-C10.5-GA type engine, commonly referred to as the ME-GA, saying its high-pressure ME-GI engine “can serve as an alternative” on large LNG carriers due to its high thermal efficiency and low methane emissions.
MAN ES unveiled the low-pressure Otto-cycle engine in 2019 as specially designed for LNG carriers.
But various problems have emerged with the ME-GA. Owners and operators have spoken about long periods when the engines could not be operated on gas, and unstable combustion issues.
In October, MAN ES told TradeWinds that 268 of the gas-injection, dual-fuel ME-GA engines have been ordered, with factory acceptance tests completed on 150 engines, and 46 engines are in service on board LNG carriers.
Speaking about its latest order, WinGD sales director Volkmar Galke said: “Although we aim to be the first choice, we were delighted to add to our orderbook from a significant customer.
“With the longest-established low-pressure two-stroke engine in the market and strong relationships with engine builders and shipyards, we were well placed to pick up the process quickly once the owner decided to switch engine type.”
WinGD introduced its rival low-pressure LNG dual-fuel X-DF engine in 2016.
It said it has since recorded more than 8m reliable running hours, with more than 800 engines in service and on the orderbook.
It has gone on to develop the X-DF2.0, and latest version the X-DF2.2, which incorporates technology advances, and claims this is now “more competitive” than high-pressure diesel-cycle engines, while offering lower operating costs and emissions.
WinGD claims the X-DF2.0 has dominated orders for LNG carrier newbuildings over the past two years. QatarEnergy plumped for the company’s engines for Phase 2 of its massive shipbuilding project.
“It could be argued that X-DF powered vessels are now the standard design,” WinGD said.
