- WinGD has delivered the first ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engine, the X52DF-A, for EXMAR’s LPG/ammonia carrier.
- The engine achieves diesel-like performance using high-pressure ammonia injection and minimal pilot fuel.
- Around 30 X-DF-A engines are already on order for gas carriers, bulk carriers, and container ships.
- Ammonia fuel, when renewably produced, can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, offering a clear path toward maritime decarbonization.
Swiss marine power firm WinGD has marked a major milestone by becoming the first engine designer to launch a two-stroke marine engine powered by ammonia. Its X52DF-A engine has been successfully delivered and installed on a 46,000m³ LPG/ammonia carrier under construction for EXMAR, setting the stage for the world’s first ammonia-fuelled gas carrier to enter service. The 52-bore engine, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine & Machinery Business Unit (HHI-EMD), is the first of WinGD’s X-DF-A engines to move toward commercial deployment. Verified results from factory testing confirmed low emissions and diesel-like efficiency, making it a promising solution for ship operators adopting ammonia fuel, as reported by WinGD.
Ammonia-Fuelled Engine Sets Benchmark for Maritime Decarbonization
WinGD’s X52DF-A engine is setting a new standard in marine propulsion, offering shipowners a viable and efficient pathway toward decarbonization. Built with high-pressure ammonia injection technology and supported by a small pilot fuel dose of just five percent at full load, the engine matches the load response, dynamic behavior, and fuel efficiency of its diesel-fuelled counterparts in both ammonia and diesel modes. This innovative design underscores the company’s commitment to reducing maritime emissions without compromising performance.
According to Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research and Development at WinGD, the strong performance of the ammonia engine confirms its vital role in supporting the industry’s energy transition. He highlighted the importance of close collaboration with partners like EXMAR in bringing this technology to market. Further advancements are already underway, with a second engine in the 52-bore series scheduled for delivery later this year.
The early success of the X-DF-A engine has led to a growing orderbook of around 30 units, reflecting demand across various vessel types, including gas carriers, bulk carriers, and container ships. This progress is backed by partnerships with ship operators and engine builders, ensuring safe and commercially reliable deployment.
Ammonia, which contains no carbon, offers up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when produced using renewable electricity. With the first vessels soon entering service, WinGD’s X-DF-A platform presents a credible and timely solution for shipowners navigating the challenges of stricter emissions regulations and evolving market expectations.
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Source: WinGD
