Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has awarded type approval to WinGD’s variable compression ratio (VCR) technology, a system that enables marine dual-fuel engines to optimise compression ratios according to the fuel being used, delivering improved fuel efficiency, lower consumption and reduced emissions.
The approval recognises the technology which introduces adjustable compression ratio capability to marine engines for the first time. Traditionally, compression ratio, the relationship between cylinder volume when the piston is at its lowest and highest positions, has been a fixed parameter defined during engine design. WinGD’s VCR technology changes this paradigm by allowing compression ratios to be adjusted dynamically to suit operating conditions and fuel selection.
As shipowners and operators seek greater efficiency and flexibility in response to evolving emissions regulations and fuel transition challenges, VCR technology is intended to offer a practical solution that eliminates the compromise associated with fixed compression settings. By optimising combustion for each fuel, the technology enhances engine performance while supporting reductions in fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
The system works by altering the piston position to adjust the combustion chamber volume and therefore the compression ratio. Its simple mechanical configuration does not affect engine footprint or installation requirements, making integration straightforward for both newbuild and future retrofit applications.
Beyond fuel flexibility, VCR technology delivers benefits during part-load operation, where compression settings can be adapted to achieve additional efficiency gains. This capability is considered valuable as vessels increasingly operate under variable speed and load profiles to optimise fuel use and emissions performance.
Dominik Schneiter, WinGD CEO, said: “WinGD’s variable compression ratio (VCR) technology represents a major breakthrough in marine engine innovation. By dynamically adjusting the compression ratio according to engine load, VCR enables our X-DF engines to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency, optimised performance and reduced emissions. We are extremely proud to receive Bureau Veritas’ type approval, an important recognition of the innovation, reliability and technical excellence behind this technology, reinforcing our commitment to more efficient and sustainable shipping.”
Christophe Chauviere, BV SVP Technical & Operations Excellence, added: “The maritime industry has been seeking solutions that improve efficiency while supporting the transition to lower-carbon operations. WinGD’s variable compression ratio technology represents an innovation that enables engine performance to be optimised across different fuels and operating conditions. We are pleased to grant type approval for this technology and support the deployment of solutions that contribute to a more efficient and sustainable shipping industry.”
Image: Type approval from BV for WinGD VCR technology (source: Bureau Veritas)
