WinGD, a Swiss marine power firm, will supply ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engines for a series of two 46,000m3 LPG/ammonia carriers to be built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for EXMAR, a provider of floating solutions and a joint venture of EXMAR and Seapeak.
The two 52-bore X52DF-A engines will be among the first WinGD ammonia-fuelled engines to enter operation in the second quarter of 2025.
The order marks WinGD’s debut in a new market for ammonia-powered gas carriers. Historically, such vessels have been early adopters of new power technologies, utilizing their cargoes as fuel, and the ammonia transport business is expected to grow over the next several years as worldwide demand for carbon-free fuel and hydrogen carriers rises.
“Ammonia is set to become a mainstream sustainable marine fuel and energy carrier by mid-century, and we are delighted to be working with EXMAR to ensure that the vessels carrying the cargo will be among the first to use it. Thanks to close cooperation with the owner, shipyard, engine builder Hyundai Heavy Industries and other stakeholders, WinGD’s X52DF-A will be available soon – not just for ammonia carriers but also for a range of other vessel types that can benefit from ammonia as a fuel,” explained Volkmar Galke, director of sales at WinGD.
Furthermore, the X-DF-A range will use high-pressure ammonia injection with a low targeted dose of pilot fuel (about 5%). In both ammonia and diesel mode, its performance and fuel efficiency will be comparable to that of WinGD’s equivalent-sized diesel-fuelled X-Engines. There will be no after-treatment for N2O emissions, with selective catalytic reduction assuring Tier III NOx compliance on either fuel.
The X-DF-A range will be included in WinGD’s complete portfolio, with early orders for the 72-bore variant already received. The complete range has received preliminary approval from Lloyd’s Register, which means that owners can already include X-DF-A engines into their newbuilding plans.
“As global leader in maritime ammonia and LPG transportation we have a long history of innovative ship designs and floating infrastructure platforms. With four decades of experience in handling ammonia cargoes we are confident in our ability to safely and effectively use this innovative zero-carbon shipping fuel. This journey continues to shape the maritime industry, and we’re pleased with the strong collaboration with WinGD and the other partners to drive sustainability forward,” stated Carl-Antoine Saverys, EXMAR’s deputy director of shipping.
