WinGD on track to deliver first ammonia dual-fuel engines in late 2025
Tests of single-cylinder version of new ‘X-DF-A’ engine are nearing conclusion in Switzerland. WinGD’s research centre in Shanghai will then validate full-scale prototype testing before production commences
WinGD’s first ammonia dual-fuel engines will be supplied to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for Exmar-owned LPG/ammonia carrier and China’s Qindao Beihai Shipbuilding, for CMB newcastlemax bulker
SWISS two-stroke engine designer WinGD has confirmed that it is on schedule to deliver its first ammonia dual-fuel engines to customers later this year.
The Winterthur-headquartered company said that key parameters were in line with expectations during testing of its new “X-DF-A” ammonia-fuelled engine design.
WinGD has been testing a single-cylinder version of its X-DF-A engine at its research and innovation centre in Winterthur. It said it expects final validation of tests to be concluded by mid-year.
“In the coming months, a multi-cylinder engine test at WinGD’s Global Research Centre in Shanghai will validate the full-scale engine, turbocharger configuration and control system before the engine enters production,” said WinGD.
WinGD has taken orders for almost 30 X-DF-A units to be used as main engines for bulk carriers, containerships, tankers and LPG carriers.
The first ammonia dual-fuel engines are due to be supplied late this year to South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for the first of four LPG carriers for Belgium’s Exmar.
China’s Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding is also set to take delivery of an X-DF-A engine in late-2025, for the lead ship in a new series of newcastlemax bulk carriers being constructed for CMB.
WinGD began its ammonia engine programme in 2019 and has secured approvals in principle from most major classification societies for its X-DF-A engine.
Rival two-stroke engine designer MAN Energy Solutions began full-scale testing of its own two-stroke ammonia engine at its research centre in Copenhagen during December.
