The race to decarbonize the maritime industry is heating up, and Swiss marine power giant WinGD is sounding the alarm. With greenhouse gas (GHG) targets looming, the company is urging the industry to rally behind “strong” regulatory measures to ensure a sustainable future for shipping. But will the industry rise to the challenge?
The Urgency of Action
WinGD, a leader in marine engine technology, is no stranger to the complexities of decarbonization. The company has been at the forefront of developing clean fuel solutions, but it warns that progress is stalling. “Regulatory clarity drives investments in low- and zero-carbon fuels, and uncertainty stalls meaningful progress,” the company stated.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious GHG reduction targets, but WinGD believes these goals are at risk without immediate action. “The urgency of the situation demands that we take action now,” the company emphasized. “Without coordinated efforts and a clear regulatory framework, we will not achieve the GHG targets set by the IMO.”
A Collaborative Push for Change
WinGD is calling on the entire maritime industry to join forces and advocate for stronger measures. “Strong action ensures shipping remains competitive and accountable as we progress towards a low-carbon future,” the company asserted.
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about innovation. WinGD’s recent partnership with LiqTech International underscores this commitment. LiqTech’s advanced water treatment system (WTS) for WinGD’s two-stroke dual-fuel engines promises to reduce freshwater consumption by up to 95%, aligning with global environmental standards.
Breakthroughs in NOx Reduction
In another leap forward, WinGD’s on-engine NOx reduction solution has received type approval, marking a significant milestone for the company. This technology, designed for marine two-stroke engines, not only ensures compliance with IMO Tier III standards but also offers greater flexibility in engine room configuration and ship design.
Peter Krähenbühl, WinGD’s Vice President of Product Centre, highlighted the benefits: “This new iteration further reduces the cost impact of NOx abatement and improves the efficiency of treatment with both existing and emerging fuels.” The solution is now available for WinGD’s 52- and 62-bore engines, including those running on fuel oil, ammonia, or methanol.
The Road Ahead
As the maritime industry navigates the choppy waters of decarbonization, WinGD’s call for action is a rallying cry. The company’s innovative technologies and partnerships are paving the way, but the journey requires collective effort. Will the industry heed the call and steer toward a greener future?
