WinGD X-EL scores first wind-assisted hybrid project

WinGD has announced that it will integrate hybrid power and energy systems on four 113,600 deadweight-tonnage (DWT) wind-assisted tankers being built for Union Maritime Limited (UML).

This marks the first use of WinGD’s X-EL Integrated Energy solution alongside wind-assisted propulsion, optimising power from both the main engine and sails.

The ships, under construction at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, will feature a hybrid system with a shaft generator and WinGD’s X-EL energy management system.

This setup will optimise energy distribution between the engines, shaft generator (in power take-out mode), and sails for efficient performance across all operating conditions.

These will also be the first vessels where WinGD’s energy system is applied to third-party main engines.

Stefan Goranov, Head of Integrated Energy Solutions, WinGD, said: “Our expertise in system integration and control of two-stroke-based hybrid energy systems enables us to optimise the efficiency and reliability of operations of a vessel with wind-assisted propulsion.

“UML’s new vessels will be a showcase for the efficiencies that can be achieved through holistic energy management based around the main engine.”

Union Maritime Limited Head of Technical, Bhuvnesh Dogra, stated: “Our ambition is to build the most energy-efficient vessels on the market, and we believe wind-assisted propulsion is a key element in achieving that. Effective energy management across the vessel is also necessary.

“WinGD’s X-EL solution, managing overall energy use while using the fuel-efficient main engine to generate auxiliary electrical power, will be an important contributor to the efficiency of these vessels.”

In March, WinGD completed shop testing for its variable compression ratio (VCR) technology.