WinGD to introduce ethanol-fuelled two-stroke marine engine by 2027

Swiss marine power company WinGD announced plans to launch its first ethanol-fuelled two-stroke engine, with deliveries for newbuilds and retrofits scheduled to begin in 2027. The development follows more than a decade of research into ethanol as a marine fuel, including full-scale engine tests carried out in 2018, and builds on the company’s methanol-fuelled engine programme.

The ethanol engine will be based on the X-DF-M methanol engine, which has already been approved by class societies and received positive feedback from early adopters. According to WinGD, the ethanol version will include modifications to the control system and fuel injector nozzles to reflect the higher energy density of ethanol and the reduced fuel volumes required.

WinGD has been examining ethanol’s potential since 2014, beginning with a project supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. It later contributed to the EU-funded HERCULES 2 project, which focused on developing a flexible injector for alcohol fuels. Ethanol, which can be produced from biomass, is already established in several markets at competitive prices, driving interest in its use as an alternative marine fuel.

Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of R&D at WinGD, said: “This announcement is further evidence of the strength of our research programme. Our early ethanol explorations were crucial to the successful development of our X-DF-M methanol engine, and now both are enabling the rapid commercialisation of the first ethanol-fuelled two-stroke engine. As global emission regulations are set to be passed, we’re pleased to be able to offer a further lower carbon alternative to ship owners and operators.”

The company is currently in discussions with ship owners, ethanol suppliers, and classification societies regarding initial applications. WinGD has not yet confirmed whether the new engine will be designed specifically for ethanol or as a methanol engine with secondary ethanol capability. In parallel, the company has joined the Global Ethanol Association to connect stakeholders across the ethanol supply chain.

Hensel added: “With our long experience of and deep commitment to developing ethanol as a marine fuel, ship owners can be confident that we will deliver an engine design with similar robust performance, efficiency and reliability as WinGD’s existing dual-fuel engine portfolio.” Further technical information will be included in WinGD’s Low-Speed Engines Booklet, expected in early 2026.