{"id":8386,"date":"2026-09-11T03:11:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T01:11:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scs.ch\/uncategorized-en-us\/control-system-for-the-worlds-most-powerful-marine-engine\/"},"modified":"2026-09-20T07:38:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T05:38:44","slug":"control-system-for-the-worlds-most-powerful-marine-engine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scs.ch\/en\/case-studies\/control-system-for-the-worlds-most-powerful-marine-engine\/","title":{"rendered":"Control System for the World’s Most Powerful Marine Engine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Background<\/h2><\/div>

The combustion of gas and diesel in the same engine requires particularly reliable, dynamic, and precise control. While standard solutions are available, closed systems limit further development and often create vendor dependency. WinGD therefore required an open control platform on which its own control and optimization algorithms could be freely developed and expanded. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Project Overview<\/h3><\/div>

Customer<\/strong>
Winterthur Gas & Diesel<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Sector<\/strong>
Industrial & Finance<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Solution<\/strong>
Distributed control system for the most powerful marine engine.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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System Environment <\/strong>
Modular Cylinder Control Units (CCU) and Gateway Control Unit (GTU), two redundant Ethernet rings, firewall, cloud connectivity<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Classification<\/strong>
Marine classification by Bureau Veritas on the first attempt<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Milestone<\/strong>
First ship with SCS control system in operation since October 2020 (CMA CGM Jacques Saad\u00e9)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The SCS Contribution<\/h2><\/div>

SCS developed hardware, FPGA firmware, and software for a distributed control system. WinGD’s control and optimization algorithms run on this in real time, keeping the engine at the optimal operating point. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Modular per Engine Type<\/h4><\/div>
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The control system consists of modular units that can be configured to suit the respective engine type. FPGA technology enables flexible evaluation of sensors and precise control of valves and ignition. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Redundant Communication<\/h4><\/div>
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The modules communicate via two redundant Ethernet rings. According to the system concept, this ensures that communication is maintained even if a cylinder fails. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Regulated Directly at the Cylinder<\/h4><\/div>
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Each Cylinder Control Unit has dozens of sensor inputs and powerful control outputs for the dynamic regulation of electromechanical valves directly on the cylinder.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Networked and Secured<\/h4><\/div>
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The Gateway Control Unit bundles communication with the internet, bridge, and other peripherals. An integrated firewall protects the external connections. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Result<\/h2><\/div>

Following the joint planning phase, SCS developed the complete control system in less than twelve months, from specification to finished hardware. Despite the tight schedule, quality remained the focus. Marine classification by Bureau Veritas was achieved on the first attempt. WinGD now has an open and modularly expandable control platform for different engine types. The system enables simple commissioning, transparent operation, and the continuous further development of proprietary control and optimization algorithms. Since October 2020, the CMA CGM Jacques Saad\u00e9 has been sailing with the 12X92DF and the SCS control system. The platform is being further developed in collaboration with WinGD. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

85,000 hp<\/h3><\/div>

Engine power under the control of the SCS system.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Under 12 months<\/h3><\/div>

From specification to finished hardware.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Microsecond Precision<\/h3><\/div>

When controlling the valves.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Services Provided<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Electronic Hardware<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

FPGA Engineering<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Embedded Systems<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Industrial & Finance<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"A<\/div><\/div>

Your Contact Person<\/h2><\/div>
David Gschwend<\/div><\/div>

High Performance Systems
+41 43 456 16 00<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

Speak with the responsible specialist<\/span>Speak with the responsible specialist<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>

For questions regarding FPGA development, hardware test systems, and the precise simulation of technical interfaces.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Further Case Studies<\/h2><\/div>