CMA CGM to test compression technology on a dual-fuel vessel

The trial will be the first test of the new dual-fuel engine technology on a working vessel at sea. To be installed on a WinGD RT-flex50DF engine, it follows successful factory tests showing significant efficiency gains in either diesel or LNG operation.

WinGD’s process works by adapting cylinder compression ratios in X-DF dual-fuel engines according to which fuel is being used, engine load, and ambient conditions.

The engine firm’s Vice President R&D, Sebastian Hensel, commented: “Partnering with leading shipping companies is vital to prove the benefits of new technologies in real-life operating conditions. We applaud CMA CGM for their vision in promoting sustainable shipping and for recognising the potential for VCR to further these ambitions.”

In tests during development, VCR achieved significant efficiency gains through improved fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, including methane. For the French container line, which operates a fleet of more than 620 container ships, it could prove to be an important strategy in its drive to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2050. The company is thought to have more than 30 dual-fuel LNG vessels in operation today, and many of its close-to-a-hundred ships on order are also dual-fuel LNG.

Related:Seaspan orders 27 dual-fuel container ships

In July, a 12-ship order for 15,500 teu vessels from a ‘European owner’, announced by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, was thought to have been placed by CMA CGM. These vessels are also understood to be dual-fuel LNG.

Meanwhile, in a move mirrored by some other lines, the French company is understood to have converted some methanol-fuelled ships on order to LNG. One likely reason for this is concern over the availability and scalability of green methanol in the future.

WinGD believes in a transition from fossil LNG to synthetic or bio-LNG which can be available at existing LNG fuel infrastructure in the future. Meanwhile, initiatives to tackle methane slip from LNG engines and across the LNG production and supply chain remain a top priority.