Events
Webinars
Decarbonizing Large Engines: Real-World Progress with Methanol and Ammonia
June 16, 2026
12:00 PM Eastern Time
Register: Complimentary Webinar
The decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation and marine sectors presents unique challenges for internal combustion engines, particularly in large-bore applications where electrification remains difficult. This webinar explores advances in large-engine technologies using alternative fuels, focusing on methanol and ammonia.
Prof. Sebastian Verhelst will present results from the EU-funded FASTWATER project, examining methanol engine concepts demonstrated in marine vessels such as tugboats and pilot boats. His talk will cover the rationale behind these choices, engine performance, and key challenges related to installation, integration, and regulatory approval, along with ongoing research beyond the project.
Sotiris Topaloglou of WinGD will provide an industry perspective on ammonia-fueled two-stroke engines, focusing on the X-DF-A platform. He will discuss recent development progress, testing results, and key advancements enabling ammonia as a viable fuel for large marine engines.
Together, these presentations highlight how internal combustion engines are evolving to meet decarbonization goals in large-scale applications, providing both technical insight and practical experience toward the adoption of low-carbon fuels.
Speakers
Sotiris Topaloglou, PhD
Deputy VP R&D, Global Head of Testing and Validation
WinGD Ltd.
Sebastian Verhelst, PhD
Full Professor of Internal Combustion Engines
Ghent University
Moderator
Adam Klingbeil, PhD
Senior Engineer- Advanced Engine R&D
Wabtec Corporation
Dr. Adam Klingbeil is a Senior Engineer in the Advanced Engine Technologies group at Wabtec, where he focuses on large engine testing and combustion system development for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. With 18 years of industry experience, he has contributed to the development of key performance technologies used in Wabtec’s Tier 3, Tier 4, and NextFuel locomotives, and has been actively involved in the development of alternative fuel strategies for future locomotive platforms.
He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, has authored more than 20 conference and journal publications, and is co-inventor on over 60 patents. Dr. Klingbeil is an active contributor within ASME and CIMAC.
Conferences
ASME DRIVN: The Global Transportation and Power Systems Summit
September 14 – 16, 2026
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Westin Southfield Detroit
May 21, 2026 – Submission of Presentation Only & Poster Abstracts
ASME DRIVN (pronounced "driven") brings together engineers and researchers working across multiple modes of transportation, including land and sea, and encompassing all internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies and applications. DRIVN is a technology-focused forum that features cutting-edge research papers, insightful technical presentations, engaging panel discussions with influential leaders, and recognition of innovators shaping the transportation landscape.
For longtime ICE Forward participants, much will feel familiar. You can continue submitting your work to the technical tracks you know and value. At the same time, DRIVN expands the technical program to include electrification, safety, life-cycle analysis, and other emerging and established transportation topics, reflecting the evolving needs of modern mobility systems.
Those interested in helping organize or contributing to technical symposia or panel sessions are encouraged to submit an abstract to the "Special Session and Symposia" track
Please save the date for September 14–16, 2026, and plan to join us in Detroit, where engineers will be DRIVN to shape the future of how people and goods move across land and sea. We look forward to seeing you there.
International ICE Forward Symposium
June 3 – 5, 2026
Bologna, Italy
March 31, 2026 Abstract Submission Deadline
Decarbonizing Large Engines: Real-World Progress with Methanol and Ammonia
June 16, 2026
12:00 PM Eastern Time
Register: Complimentary Webinar
The decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation and marine sectors presents unique challenges for internal combustion engines, particularly in large-bore applications where electrification remains difficult. This webinar explores advances in large-engine technologies using alternative fuels, focusing on methanol and ammonia.
Prof. Sebastian Verhelst will present results from the EU-funded FASTWATER project, examining methanol engine concepts demonstrated in marine vessels such as tugboats and pilot boats. His talk will cover the rationale behind these choices, engine performance, and key challenges related to installation, integration, and regulatory approval, along with ongoing research beyond the project.
Sotiris Topaloglou of WinGD will provide an industry perspective on ammonia-fueled two-stroke engines, focusing on the X-DF-A platform. He will discuss recent development progress, testing results, and key advancements enabling ammonia as a viable fuel for large marine engines.
Together, these presentations highlight how internal combustion engines are evolving to meet decarbonization goals in large-scale applications, providing both technical insight and practical experience toward the adoption of low-carbon fuels.
Speakers
Sotiris Topaloglou, PhD
Deputy VP R&D, Global Head of Testing and Validation
WinGD Ltd.
Sebastian Verhelst, PhD
Full Professor of Internal Combustion Engines
Ghent University
Moderator
Adam Klingbeil, PhD
Senior Engineer- Advanced Engine R&D
Wabtec Corporation
Dr. Adam Klingbeil is a Senior Engineer in the Advanced Engine Technologies group at Wabtec, where he focuses on large engine testing and combustion system development for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. With 18 years of industry experience, he has contributed to the development of key performance technologies used in Wabtec’s Tier 3, Tier 4, and NextFuel locomotives, and has been actively involved in the development of alternative fuel strategies for future locomotive platforms.
He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, has authored more than 20 conference and journal publications, and is co-inventor on over 60 patents. Dr. Klingbeil is an active contributor within ASME and CIMAC.
Conferences
ASME DRIVN: The Global Transportation and Power Systems Summit
September 14 – 16, 2026
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Westin Southfield Detroit
May 21, 2026 – Submission of Presentation Only & Poster Abstracts
ASME DRIVN (pronounced "driven") brings together engineers and researchers working across multiple modes of transportation, including land and sea, and encompassing all internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies and applications. DRIVN is a technology-focused forum that features cutting-edge research papers, insightful technical presentations, engaging panel discussions with influential leaders, and recognition of innovators shaping the transportation landscape.
For longtime ICE Forward participants, much will feel familiar. You can continue submitting your work to the technical tracks you know and value. At the same time, DRIVN expands the technical program to include electrification, safety, life-cycle analysis, and other emerging and established transportation topics, reflecting the evolving needs of modern mobility systems.
Those interested in helping organize or contributing to technical symposia or panel sessions are encouraged to submit an abstract to the "Special Session and Symposia" track
Please save the date for September 14–16, 2026, and plan to join us in Detroit, where engineers will be DRIVN to shape the future of how people and goods move across land and sea. We look forward to seeing you there.
International ICE Forward Symposium
June 3 – 5, 2026
Bologna, Italy
March 31, 2026 Abstract Submission Deadline