Swiss marine power company WinGD has secured the first ever approval in principle (AiP) for two‑stroke engines fuelled with ammonia.
More specifically, Lloyd’s Register awarded the AiP to WinGD’s X-DF-A dual-fuel range, giving shipowners the assurances they need to realise vessel designs using ammonia-fuelled main engines for the first time.
According to WinGD, the development of the company’s ammonia-fuelled engine series has been advanced with strong support from shipowners, shipyards and engine builders.
Moreover, the first engine to be developed, the 52-bore X52DF-A, will be available for delivery from the fourth quarter of 2024 and is applicable to a range of vessels including gas and bulk carriers.
WinGD was able to validate to Lloyd’s Register experts that the X52DF‑A concept is technically ready to satisfy future regulatory requirements with no major obstacles.
Additionally, Lloyd’s Register considered the engine safety concept, risk assessments and preliminary engine and fuel supply system design, as well as confirming the compatibility of materials with ammonia fuel.
WinGD CEO Dominik Schneiter said, “Time is of the essence as shipping looks to clean power solutions. This approval shows the industry that WinGD is leading the way in bringing carbon-free ammonia power to the deep-sea fleet. With the support of expert partners including Lloyd’s Register, these technologies will be available long before emission targets require them, giving operators vital space to plan and gain experience.”
