Big Engine Business is Booming as Containership Orders Pile Up

Big ships mean big engines. And for Swiss-based marine engine maker WinGD, business is booming.

The company announced this week that it has seen more than 80 orders so far in 2021 for its largest engines as shipowners continue to invest in large-sized containerships amid chronic under-capacity in the sector since the second half of last year.

WinGD says the orderbook for its 920 mm bore X92-B engine has grown six times compared to the same time in 2020.

“It has shaped up to be a competitive year in the containership segment as owners race to secure spots at shipyards,” said Volkmar Galke, WinGD Global Sales Director. “The popularity of our large bore X92 engines is recognition from shipowners that this technology is providing the reliability, energy efficiency and low emission profile they require.”

The X92-B is the largest and most powerful two-stroke engine in WinGD’s portfolio, offering efficiency for modern large and ultra large container vessels thanks to optimal cylinder power, shaft speed and stroke to bore ratio. The engine is available in 6- to 12-cylinder configurations covering a power range from 24,420-77,400kW.

The engine also comes in a deal fuel X92DF version as demand for LNG-fuelled large-bore engines is increasing as shipowners seek ways to reduce emissions. The X92DF engine is the most powerful dual-fuel Otto-cycle engine ever built and debuted on CMA CGM’s ground-breaking series of nine gas-fueled 23,000 TEU vessels, starting with the delivery of the CMA CGM Jacques Saadé in early 2020.

“The demand on global trade has proven to be strong, growing even stronger through the global pandemic. Shipowners today must promise to not only deliver their goods on time but also in the most sustainable way possible” said Galke.