WinGD Signs First Engine Licensing Agreement With HD Hyundai Marine Engine

Swiss marine engine developer WinGD has signed its first licensing agreement with HD Hyundai Marine Engine, expanding the production of its two-stroke diesel and dual-fuel engines in South Korea. Announced on 30 October 2026, the agreement will enable the Korean manufacturer to build WinGD-designed engines for bulk carriers, tankers and other commercial vessels, strengthening the availability of alternative-fuel propulsion technology for shipbuilding projects in Korea and export markets.

 

HD Hyundai Marine Engine, formerly STX Heavy Industries, was acquired by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering in 2024. The company specializes in small and medium-sized two-stroke engines, complementing the larger engine manufacturing capabilities of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, which already produces WinGD engines for vessels including large container ships and LNG carriers.

 

The agreement covers WinGD's mid-bore engine portfolio, including the X52 and X62 series. These engines are available in dual-fuel configurations designed for alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia, alongside conventional diesel versions that can be prepared for future fuel conversions. The engines suit bulk carriers, tankers, and pure car and truck carriers, giving shipbuilders additional propulsion options as vessel efficiency and emissions requirements evolve.

 

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WinGD and HD Hyundai Marine Engine will also collaborate to reduce production costs and improve engine integration into vessel designs. Their work will focus on maintaining operational reliability while making mid-bore engines more competitive across commercial shipping segments.

 

The partnership also supports WinGD's newer X-S short-stroke platform, available in 52- and 62-bore variants. With a smaller footprint than conventional mid-bore engines, the platform aims to improve efficiency, maintenance accessibility, and installation flexibility for vessels with limited engine-room height or draft restrictions.

 

Peter Krähenbühl, Vice President of WinGD's Product Center, said the agreement would expand engine availability in high-volume shipping segments. YoungJe Woo, Senior Vice President of Business Management at HD Hyundai Marine Engine, said the license would broaden the company's propulsion offerings as shipowners increasingly prioritize fuel efficiency, emissions performance and operating costs.