Ethanol option for shipping
Swiss marine engine developer WinGD will introduce the first ethanol-fuelled two-stroke engine in 2026, with launch of newbuilds and retrofits scheduled from 2027. The design is based on the X-DF-M methanol engine. Adjustments include a revised control system and injector nozzle to account for ethanol’s higher energy density and reduced fuel volume needs.
WinGD has researched ethanol since 2014, beginning with Swiss government funding and later as part of the 'EU Hercules 2' project. WinGD vice-president R&D Sebastian Hensel (pictured) said the company’s early ethanol work supported methanol engine development and now enables commercialisation of ethanol engines, providing shipowners with another option to meet tightening global emission rules. (js)