Polaris to Install WinGD Dual-Fuel Engines on Four Newcastlemax Bulkers

Polaris Shipping has ordered four X72DF-M-1.0 engines from Swiss marine power company WinGD that are capable of operating on both methanol and ethanol. The engines will be used to power the four 210,000 DWT Newcastlemax bulkers being built by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry in China, scheduled for delivery in 2031.

Engine Specifications and Benefits

The X72DF-M-1.0 engines are a part of WinGD's innovative alcohol-fuel engine platform that includes support for LNG, methanol, ethanol, and ammonia. These dual-fuel engines provide Polaris Shipping with greater operational flexibility to adapt to changing fuel availability, pricing, and regulatory requirements.

According to Dr. Carmelo Cartalemi, Head of Strategic Marketing at WinGD: "Shipowners are looking for flexible solutions to help them meet their decarbonisation goals without compromising on reliability, safety or financial stability. Our alcohol-fuel engine platform enables ships to operate on either ethanol or methanol, giving shipowners and managers the option to select the fuel that best fits their operational and commercial requirements."

Ship Design and Delivery Details

The four Newcastlemax bulkers are being constructed at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry in China. Each vessel is expected to have a displacement of 210,000 DWT and will be delivered in 2031. These newbuilds represent an investment by Polaris Shipping in the future of maritime transportation, as they are designed to operate on alternative fuels that can significantly reduce emissions.

Polaris Shipping's decision to opt for these engines underscores a growing trend among shipowners towards fuel-flexible solutions. The company stated: "Fuel availability and economics will continue to evolve over the lifetime of these vessels. Selecting an engine platform that gives us access to both methanol and ethanol means we can provide our charterers with greater choice in how the ships are operated in the future, rather than having to predict today which fuel will be most competitive in the years ahead."

Industry Context and Implications

The announcement comes at a time when South Korea is preparing new rules for green shipping corridors as part of its efforts to reduce maritime sector emissions. This initiative highlights the broader push towards cleaner fuels and alternative propulsion technologies within the industry.

WinGD, which already offers engines that can run on LNG, has added methanol, ethanol, and ammonia to its portfolio. The company's X72DF-M-1.0 engines will not only provide Polaris with flexibility but also contribute to the overall decarbonisation efforts in the shipping industry.

Service and Support

WinGD will provide dedicated service and lifecycle support for the new alcohol fuels, helping shipowners and operators build familiarity with the technology, optimise operation and maintenance, and adopt methanol and ethanol propulsion in a safe and economically sustainable way. This comprehensive approach is crucial as alternative-fuel engines transition from development to vessel construction.

Dr. Cartalemi added: "With fuel markets and regulations continuing to evolve, that flexibility can be a valuable asset over the lifetime of a vessel. We are committed to supporting our customers in their journey towards sustainable shipping."

What this means for operators

The installation of dual-fuel engines on Polaris Shipping's Newcastlemax bulkers signals a significant shift towards more flexible fuel options. Ship operators can now anticipate reduced dependency on single fuel sources, which is particularly beneficial given the uncertainty in future fuel markets and evolving regulatory landscapes. The ability to switch between methanol and ethanol will allow operators to optimise their costs and emissions performance based on real-time market conditions.

By embracing these innovative technologies, Polaris Shipping demonstrates its commitment to long-term sustainability goals while maintaining operational flexibility. This approach can serve as a model for other shipowners seeking to balance environmental objectives with economic considerations in the dynamic world of maritime transportation.