Swiss based marine engine technology developer WinGD continues to invest in its R&D testing infrastructure with the opening of a new collaborative Global Test Centre in Shanghai, China. The new test centre which opened on the 16 December, is a collaboration with CSPI (China Shipbuilding Power Engineering Institute Co., Ltd.) for the advancement of a decarbonized future through sustainable fuel and combustion research and innovation.    

The role of R&D has come into sharp focus as part of the strategy to help ships reach the IMO’s 2050 target. The success of the industry reaching these targets relies on a focus well beyond alternate fuels. 

This new Global Test Centre will encompass research and innovation around future fuel propulsion solutions, holistic energy management systems, and power generation based on new energy converters. For the development of new technologies and products, the Global Test Centre comprises of two 2-stroke test engines and several test rigs for the validation of sub-systems such as fuel injection, pumps or gas admission valves. With future demands in mind, testing will focus on new fuels including methanol and ammonia, and on the further development of WinGD’s low pressure dual-fuel technology. The test centre will also be equipped with an electrical grid representing modern vessels, including a DC grid laboratory and dynamometers instead of water brakes, a perfectly suited infrastructure to test and demonstrate hybrid propulsion systems in the future. 

WinGD Vice President Research & Development Dominik Schneiter said: “The pace at which we need to act as an industry to reach a carbon free future requires all players to step up with significant commitment. By considerably expanding our test engine infrastructure, we are confirming our commitment to accelerate the energy transition in shipping. The future is a multi-fuel landscape where deep knowledge of the combustion properties of all fuels is required. Our collaboration with our CSSC family of companies allows us to bring the full weight of our shared expertise towards this goal."

The decarbonization of the maritime industry is a global challenge that requires collaboration and collective efforts at unprecedented levels. The combination of WinGD’s proven expertise of 2-stroke engine efficiency with low emissions, and the technology innovation capabilities of CSPI, will result in future integrated power solutions that will help reach zero emissions.

ENDS…

NOTES TO EDITORS:

WinGD in brief
WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd.) is a leading developer of two-stroke low-speed gas and diesel engines used for propulsion power in merchant shipping. WinGD sets the industry standard for reliability, safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability. WinGD provides designs, training and technical support to engine manufacturers, shipbuilders, ship operators and owners worldwide. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since its inception as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, it carries on the legacy of innovation in design.
WinGD is a member of the CSSC Group of companies.

CSPI in brief
China Shipbuilding Power Engineering Institute Co., Ltd. (CSPI) is the R&D unit for marine power systems under CSSC. It is a core enterprise in marine power technology innovation, transformation and upgrading. Based on the Group's leading position in the shipping industry and close cooperation with domestic and abroad resources, the Company constantly strengthens the innovation capability of the technologies research, product development to provide integrated power solutions for the shipping industry.

Media Contacts:
Anna Garcia
Global Head of Communications
E-mail: anna.garcia@wingd.com
Tel.: +41 52 264 8844