Swiss marine power company WinGD has introduced an on-engine version of its iCER system.
This system enables the emissions reduction technology to be installed without impact on the engine footprint, the company claimed.
iCER was the first X-DF2.0 technology introduced to further boost the emissions performance and efficiency of the dual-fuel X-DF 2-stroke engine series, which has proved popular with LNGC owners and operators.
X-DF engines running on LNG already offer a more than 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a dramatic reduction in air pollution compared to fuel oil, WinGD said.
Its iCER delivers a 50% reduction of methane slip in gas mode. Combined with better fuel efficiency, this reduces total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 8% in gas mode. Running on diesel, iCER improves the emissions performance of X-DF engines by 6%.
The on-engine iCER offers the same advantages, while simplifying testing, building and installation of the engine, as well as reducing the engine room space needed for emissions reduction equipment.
The exhaust gas cooler and all exhaust gas flow control components are installed on the engine, offering significant engine room design flexibility.
Dr Rudolf Holtbecker, WinGD’s Executive Director of Operations, said: “The iCER technology is a vital component of our proven X-DF engine portfolio that has a clear role in supporting the marine industry’s transition to cleaner, greener fuels and reducing the carbon footprint of a vessel.
“This important addition to the choices in our X-DF2.0 portfolio extends the benefits to all shipyards and global engine builders with an improved arrangement and a production-friendly design for minimised manufacturing and installation costs,” he said.
LNGC engines
On-engine iCER is initially available on WinGD’s X72DF engines, which have become the standard on modern LNGCs. Minimising their methane slip has an added benefit for operators using cargo as a fuel, allowing them to maximise the value of the LNG delivered.
The technology will also be rolled out to other models in the X-DF engine range.
As well as reducing methane slip and total greenhouse gas emissions, both on- and off-engine iCERs enable compliance with IMO’s Tier III NOx limits, whether using LNG or diesel fuels, WinGD said.
In addition, WinGD has published a white paper highlighting its holistic approach to help shipowners and operators to de-carbonise their vessels.
The paper, entitled The X-Act Initiative, outlines WinGD’s development programmes in five areas – advanced engine technologies, core engine development, green technologies, digitalisation and integration, and the autonomous engine room.
Projects include the latest generation of dual-fuel engine technologies, on-engine emission abatement systems, alternative fuel developments and advances in hybrid energy system integration and control software.
WinGD has recently outlined the timeframe for adding ammonia and methanol capability to its engines.
The company has also invested in developing expertise in hybrid power arrangement design and integration. Its first system integration contract is underway for four newbuilding car carriers – featuring WinGD’s X-DF dual-fuel LNG engines and batteries - being built for NYK Line.
