Swiss marine power company WinGD has introduced an option for its X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines to be delivered capable of running on liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
The ‘pre-fit’ solution will be of particular interest to vessels under construction for the anticipated global trade in ammonia, which will also be capable of transporting LPG.
Dubbed the X-DF-P, in reference to propane—the main component of LPG—this new offering will be available for initial engine deliveries in 2027. The timing aligns with operators’ likely need to balance between LPG and ammonia trades.
Although optimized for ammonia, the engine can operate efficiently on LPG, with only a small modification required to switch to ammonia in the future. The X-DF-P setup also allows operators committed to ammonia to potentially use LPG down the line.
Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of R&D at WinGD, said the X-DF-A ammonia engine is already popular among bulk and gas carriers, and the X-DF-P provides a transitional option for those interested in the emerging ammonia trade but unsure about the impact on their vessels’ engines and fuel choices.
Global ammonia trade is projected to expand due to its effectiveness as an energy carrier, particularly for transporting hydrogen from remote renewable energy sites to high-demand regions.
The X-DF-A engine has seen numerous orders for multi-gas carriers, very large gas carriers, and specialized ammonia carriers. Its injection system can be modified for LPG with minimal adjustments, and the similar material requirements for both fuels make them compatible with shared components.
WinGD is currently developing engine sizes suited for vessels relevant to these trades, such as 52- and 62-bore engines.
