WinGD delivers first ammonia-fuelled marine engine to EXMAR

WinGD has delivered its first ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engine for commercial use, marking a key milestone in zero-carbon propulsion.

The X52DF-A engine was installed on a 46,000 cubic-metre (m³) LPG/ammonia carrier under construction for EXMAR at the HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea.

Built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine & Machinery Division, the 52-bore engine is the first of four for sister vessels in the series.

It also represents one of the first ammonia-fuelled engines to enter commercial service, with performance verified during factory testing following initial runs at WinGD’s test facility.

Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research and Development at WinGD, said: “With such convincing results it is clear that ammonia fuel has a vital role to play in the decarbonisation of our industry.

“We’re proud to be at the forefront of the clean-energy transition, delivering the innovative propulsion solutions the industry needs as it strives for a more sustainable future.”

The X-DF-A engine uses high-pressure ammonia injection with a small pilot fuel dose of around five per cent at full load.

It achieves fuel efficiency and dynamic response comparable to diesel-powered models in both ammonia and diesel modes.

WinGD plans further optimisation with the next 52-bore engine, due later this year.

The company has already secured orders for approximately 30 X-DF-A engines across various vessel types, including gas carriers, bulkers and containerships.

Ammonia, when produced from renewable electricity, offers up to 90 per cent GHG reduction compared to traditional fuels.

With the X-DF-A platform nearing entry into service, shipowners gain a viable alternative fuel option aligned with decarbonisation targets.

Last month, WinGD announced that it will supply its XDF-M dual-fuel methanol and methanol-ready X-Engine designs for over 30 containerships ordered by a major Taiwanese operator.