The first X-DF-A dual-fuel ammonia engines will be delivered by Swiss maritime power manufacturer WinGD in the first quarter of 2025, with the first X-DF-A powered vessels entering service in 2026.
Following combustion tests at WinGD research facilities in December 2022, the confirmation is backed by orders and recent quick progress in creating an engine concept capable of using zero-carbon fuel efficiently, safely and reliably.
WinGD has disclosed ammonia fuel technology developments involving two shipowners. Last month it signed an agreement with AET Tankers and sister company Akademi Laut Malaysia to develop crew training on ammonia engines. Additionally, in January 2023, it announced a partnership with CMB.Tech, a sister company of Belgian shipowner CMB, to develop ammonia-fuelled engines for ten 210,000 DWT bulk carriers.
WinGD said that developments are supported by collaborations with engine and ship builders in China, Japan and Korea, as well as by its own extensive investment in research.
In June, WinGD inked a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding to prepare the X-DF-A for use on a variety of vessel sizes and connection with the engine builder’s ammonia fuel supply system. This follows a development project with Hyundai Heavy Industries that began in June 2022.
WinGD recently reported how a validation platform housed in its Engine Research & Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur, the Spray Combustion Chamber (SCC), had enabled the rapid development of two-stroke combustion concepts and emission models.
Since first ignition in 2022, the team has gained insights into the combustion and emission characteristics which form the basis for a rapid deployment of the technology to the portfolio. WinGD can now provide accurate figures for ammonia consumption and relevant emissions.
Tests on the unique, purpose built single-cylinder engine located at ERIC 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).
