WinGD and CMA CGM are working together to test the first use of VCR technology at sea

Swiss marine propulsion company WinGD's Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology is being tested by global shipping company CMA CGM on board one of the company's vessels. The collaboration is the first field test for the new dual-fuel engine technology and follows successful factory tests that demonstrated significant efficiency improvements on both diesel and LNG fuels.

VCR dynamically adjusts the cylinder compression ratio in X-DF dual-fuel engines based on fuel selection, ambient conditions and engine load, reducing both fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The innovative WinGD technology is the first use of an adjustable compression ratio – normally a fixed design parameter – in a marine engine.

The CMA CGM project includes a long-term, comprehensive test to confirm functionality and reliability. Onboard testing is expected to begin after the vessel's dry docking in September, when VCR will be installed on the vessel's dual-fuel WinGD RT-flex50DF engine.

On the way to achieving its Net Zero Carbon objective by 2050, CMA CGM is committed to deploying sustainable solutions across its entire fleet, both on newbuilds and existing vessels. WinGD's VCR technology is a new development that will help reduce the fuel consumption of dual-fuel engines.

Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research and Development at WinGD, said: “Collaboration with leading shipping companies is crucial to demonstrate the benefits of new technologies in real operating conditions. We congratulate CMA CGM on their vision to promote sustainable shipping and for recognizing the potential of VCR to support these ambitions.”

The improved operational flexibility, fuel savings and methane slip reduction achieved by VCR technology will support ship owners and operators on their path to decarbonization. WinGD envisages a transition from fossil to synthetic or biomass-derived LNG, accompanied by continuous improvements in methane emissions from both the engines and the entire fuel production and supply chain.