WinGD, a Swiss marine power firm, has revealed that it expects to deliver its first X-DF-A dual-fuel ammonia engines in the first quarter of 2025.
The first X-DF-A-powered boats are scheduled to enter service in 2026.
Following combustion tests at WinGD research facilities in December 2022, the confirmation is backed by real orders and recent quick progress in creating an engine concept capable of using zero-carbon fuel effectively, safely, and dependably.
WinGD has reported breakthroughs in ammonia fuel technology with two shipowners.
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The marine power company announced a collaboration with CMB Tech, a subsidiary business of Belgian shipowner CMB, in January 2023 to develop ammonia-fueled engines for ten 210,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) bulk carriers.
The developments are supported by strong collaborations with engine and ship builders in China, Japan and Korea, as well as by WinGD’s own extensive investment in research.
Tests on the purpose built single-cylinder engine located at the Engine Research & Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur, and a multi-cylinder test engine at WinGD’s Global Test Centre in Shanghai will commence, in collaboration with China Shipbuilding Power Engineering Institute Co. Ltd (CSPI).
Across the multiple collaborations and further work with class societies, ammonia fuel supply system suppliers, and shipyards, WinGD has focused on defining safety aspects related to the engine installation and ammonia supply system.
WinGD CEO, Dominik Schneiter, said: “For the industry to be truly ready for alternative fuels, the engine concepts that use them – and the vessel designs, auxiliary systems, crew training and field support network – need to be ready before the fuels become widely available.
“Our development timeframe, as evidenced by these milestones in research and collaboration, shows that we are on track to give shipowners and operators the time they need to prepare for decarbonised ship power using ammonia as fuel.”
