Swiss marine power company WinGD and South Korea’s Hanwha Engine have successfully produced the world’s first X72DF-2.2 engine featuring Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology.
Developed by WinGD, the next-generation dual-fuel engine is designed to run on LNG and diesel, boosting fuel efficiency while cutting methane slip. This innovation enables ship operators to meet stricter emissions regulations while lowering costs.
The achievement was celebrated at Hanwha’s headquarters in Changwon with the first factory acceptance test of the 5X72DF-2.2 engine. The unit will be installed on an LNG carrier under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries for a major global LNG transportation project.
Peter Krähenbühl, Vice President Product Centre at WinGD, called the development a major step in shipping’s energy transition: “Our VCR technology optimises fuel efficiency, reduces emissions and leads to a significant cut in methane slip, making a real impact on carbon intensity and operating costs. With new emissions deadlines looming, customers clearly see value in this innovation, with more than 160 orders already placed.”
Hanwha Engine CEO Moonghee Yu confirmed strong demand, with 70 VCR-equipped engines already ordered, worth USD 500 million. “The world’s first production of an X72DF-2.2 VCR engine is not just a technical success, but a milestone in accelerating shipbuilding’s transition to environmental sustainability,” Yu said.
