WinGD, a Swiss marine power firm, has entered into a partnership agreement with AET, a ship owner and operator, and Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), both members of the MISC Group, to develop technology and training for ammonia engines.
The agreement calls for the partners to collaborate on the future installation of X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines aboard vessels that would be among the world's first ammonia dual-fuelled tankers.
The project timeline is consistent with WinGD's previously disclosed timeline, with the first engines for Suezmax or Aframax tankers entering service in 2025.
WinGD will create a crew training syllabus, equipping some of the world's first sailors aboard ammonia-fuelled vessels to operate the new fuel and engines.
The agreement will allow ALAM to teach its sailors and supervisors about the operation, maintenance, monitoring, repair, and health and safety protocols for the new engines.
“This cooperation between engine designer, shipowner and training institution marks a powerful push towards realising the potential of ammonia as a maritime fuel. As well as preparing our engines for integration within a key vessel type, the training developed under this project will also feed into the knowledge pool needed for operators and their crews to confidently, safely and efficiently operate these newly fuelled vessels,” commented Rudolph Holtbecker, director of Operations at WinGD.
