A Game-Changer in Marine Power

Swiss marine power giant WinGD has just unveiled its groundbreaking methanol-fueled engine, the X-DF-M, marking a seismic shift in the maritime industry. After breezing through rigorous factory and type approval tests, this ten-cylinder, 92-bore behemoth is ready to hit the high seas. Dubbed “the biggest” methanol-fueled engine ever built, the X-DF-M is poised to redefine how the shipping industry tackles decarbonization.

The engine was officially presented at a ceremony hosted by engine builder CMD in Shanghai, China, where eight classification societies gathered to sign off on its type approval certification. This green light means the X-DF-M can now be replicated by engine builders worldwide, paving the way for widespread adoption.

Powering the Future of Shipping

The X-DF-M isn’t just a prototype—it’s already slated for action. The engine will be installed on the fourth vessel in a series of 16,000 TEU container ships being constructed for COSCO Shipping Lines at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) shipyard in China. But that’s not all. Earlier vessels in the series, currently running on single-fuel 10X92-B engines, are set to be retrofitted for methanol once the X-DF-M proves its mettle.

Dominik Schneiter, CEO of WinGD, sees this as a pivotal moment: “As interest in methanol grows and regulatory frameworks solidify, the X-DF-M platform is set to play a crucial role in slashing greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping.”

A Bold Step Toward Decarbonization

CMD, the engine builder behind this milestone, is equally optimistic. A spokesperson shared, “Building the first engine of any type is a huge responsibility, especially for an emerging fuel like methanol. The X-DF-M performed flawlessly in all tests, and we’re excited to offer this platform as a game-changing option for shipbuilders.”

WinGD isn’t stopping here. With 56 X-DF-M engines already on order across various bore sizes (52 to 92), the company is doubling down on its commitment to decarbonization. By adding methanol capability to its engine lineup, WinGD is giving deep-sea ship operators a powerful new tool to meet sustainability goals.