Alfa Laval has achieved a major milestone in ammonia bunkering with the successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of its FCM Ammonia fuel supply system, certified by CCS. Developed for Tianjin Southwest Maritime’s dual-fuel fleet, the system was validated for safety and functional integrity alongside partners WinGD and CPGC. This certification marks the shift of ammonia technology from experimental design to a commercially ready solution for two-stroke marine engines.
Sweden | March 10, 2026 – In a move that signals the “industrial maturity” of ammonia as a marine fuel, Alfa Laval has successfully completed the first Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for its FCM Ammonia fuel supply system. The test, certified by the China Classification Society (CCS), marks the transition of ammonia technology from a design concept to a commercially ready reality for the global deep-sea fleet.
The system is the first of seven units destined for a series of dual-fuel ammonia carriers owned by Tianjin Southwest Maritime.
Dual Validation: Safety Meets Scalability
The FAT is more than a technical hurdle; it is a rigorous verification of the system’s ability to handle one of the most challenging fuels in the maritime sector. The process involved a “dual validation” strategy:
- Production Quality: CPGC (CSSC Power Group Corporation), the system integrator, validated the design and manufacturing quality at Alfa Laval’s facility in Monza.
- Regulatory Compliance: CCS conducted on-site witnessing and a comprehensive review, ensuring the system meets the “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” and international safety standards.
A Coordinated Industry Effort
The FCM Ammonia system is a critical component of a broader, high-stakes propulsion project. This collaboration represents the “inner circle” of the current ammonia movement:
- Engine Designer: WinGD (providing the two-stroke dual-fuel ammonia engine).
- System Provider: Alfa Laval (FCM Ammonia supply module).
- Shipbuilder: CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding.
- Owner: Tianjin Southwest Maritime.
Roberto Comelli, Europe E&S Manager, Alfa Laval said “By completing the certified FAT for Alfa Laval’s FCM Ammonia, we position ourselves as frontrunners supporting the safe adoption of ammonia in commercial shipping. This milestone confirms that our technology has reached a new level of industrial maturity.”
The Regulatory Perspective: Supply Chain Integrity
Cui Yuwei highlighted that while the engine often gets the headlines, the “behind-the-scenes” fuel supply system is where the true safety battle is won or lost. He noted:
“Full supply chain control is essential when introducing a new fuel into the marine environment, and it all starts with ensuring key component traceability and robust supplier qualification. The successful completion of this FAT signifies that the system has met the fundamental requirements for commercial application in terms of design safety, functional integrity, and production quality control. This is a significant step forward for the industry in enabling ammonia as a viable fuel for the next generation of commercial vessels.”
Inside the Test: Proving the Safety Layers
Ammonia’s toxicity requires a “zero-fail” approach to fuel handling. The FAT program specifically targeted the control architecture and safety layers of the FCM Ammonia system, including:
- I/O Verification: Full hardware integration checks.
- Fault Scenarios: Simulating operational failures to test automatic safety shutdowns.
- Ammonia-Handling Routines: Validating the software logic that manages the fuel’s unique properties in a marine environment.
- Supply Chain Traceability: Confirming that every key component is qualified for the rigors of ammonia service.
Next Steps: From Monza to the Sea
With the FAT complete, the first module will move to the shipyard for installation on an LPG/ammonia carrier. This will be followed by commissioning, fuel trials, and ultimately, gas trials at sea. CCS will continue to oversee these phases as the vessel program progresses toward full operational status.
About Alfa Laval
Founded 140 years ago, Alfa Laval is a global leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation, and fluid handling. With customers in 100 countries and over 22,300 employees, the company reported 2024 annual sales of SEK 66.9 billion (5.8 BEUR). Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Alfa Laval is a primary driver of the maritime industry’s decarbonization through its pioneering alternative fuel and energy-saving technologies.
Source: Alfa Laval