WinGD has won an order for four X72DF-M-1.0 engines that can operate on methanol and ethanol for Polaris Shipping’s future Newcastlemax fleet. The ability to operate on either fuel allows Polaris to respond to changes in fuel availability, pricing and regulatory requirements.
The WinGD engines will power four 210,000-DWT ore carriers being built for Polaris Shipping at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co in China. Delivery is scheduled for 2031.
Dr. Carmelo Cartalemi, Head of Strategic Marketing at WinGD: ‘Shipowners are looking for flexible solutions to help them meet their decarbonisation goals without compromising on reliability, safety or financial stability. Our alcohol-fuel engine platform enables ships to operate on either ethanol or methanol, giving shipowners and managers the option to select the fuel that best fits their operational and commercial requirements. With fuel markets and regulations continuing to evolve, that flexibility can be a valuable asset over the lifetime of a vessel.’
Also read: WinGD shows payback on retrofit pathways to net-zero
Methanol and ethanol
The X72DF-M1.0 can run on methanol and ethanol. This provides flexibility, while maintaining compliance with the regulatory requirements applicable to both fuels. WinGD will also provide dedicated service and lifecycle support for the new alcohol fuels, helping shipowners and operators build familiarity with the technology, optimise operation and maintenance, and adopt methanol and ethanol propulsion in a safe and economically sustainable way.
‘Selecting an engine platform that gives us access to both methanol and ethanol means we can provide to our charter a greater choice in how the ships are operated in the future, rather than having to predict today which fuel will be most competitive in the years ahead,’ states Polaris Shipping. ‘We’re investing for the long-term, and this engine choice gives us the confidence to do that.’
Also read: WinGD completes FAT of ammonia engine for bulk carrier
LNG, methanol, ethanol and ammonia
The order adds to WinGD orderbook of alternative fuel engine technology, which now spans LNG, methanol, ethanol and ammonia. Beihai Shipyard is also working with WinGD on the installation of its innovative ammonia-fuelled engine for CMB Tech’s newbuild 210,000-DWT dry bulk carriers.
Picture: The X72DF-ME_SM engine (photo WinGD).
Also read: WinGD lands first ethanol engine orders
