- WinGD completes full-load testing of its X-DF-A ammonia engine, matching diesel efficiency with 5% pilot oil.
- Ultra-low emissions achieved without an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC).
- The first deliveries will be in 2025, with 30+ orders secured across shipping segments.
Swiss marine power company WinGD has confirmed key performance parameters for its X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engine after completing full-load testing at its Engine Research and Innovation Centre in Winterthur, Switzerland. According to WinGD, the results provide critical validation for shipowners preparing their vessels for ammonia fuel.
WinGD’s tests confirmed that the engine achieves the same thermal efficiency as diesel while operating on ammonia, with pilot oil consumption maintained at 5% of total fuel use at full load. The findings align with performance data published in WinGD’s General Technical Data (GTD) software, ensuring customer reliability.
Breakthrough in Emissions Performance
Emissions data was highly encouraging, with ammonia emissions below 10ppm and N₂O below 3ppm. Notably, NOx emissions were significantly lower than diesel operation, demonstrating ammonia’s potential as a cleaner marine fuel.
“Our well-structured development approach has paid off. After intensive efforts to understand the principles of ammonia injection and combustion, we are the first two-stroke engine designer to demonstrate 100% ammonia operation with 5% pilot fuel consumption and such low emissions.”
— Sebastian Hensel, Vice President Research & Development, WinGD
The low emissions were achieved without requiring an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC), eliminating the need for additional exhaust treatment and simplifying compliance.
Deployment and Commercial Adoption
WinGD’s ammonia combustion research began in 2021, progressing through structured testing phases, including the use of its proprietary Spray Combustion Chamber to simulate real-world two-stroke engine conditions. These performance predictions have now been validated in full-load engine trials.
The first X-DF-A engines will be delivered in mid-2025 for ammonia carriers owned by Exmar LPG and bulk carriers operated by CMB.Tech. These engines, featuring 52- and 72-bore configurations, will be built in Korea and China, marking a major milestone for ammonia-powered shipping.
With nearly 30 orders already secured, WinGD’s ammonia-fueled technology is set to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the shipping industry, covering bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, and LPG/ammonia carriers.
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Source: WinGD
