WinGD and HHI-EMD have achieved the world’s first Type Approval (TAT) and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for the X52DF-A-1.0 ammonia-fuelled engine. Conducted in Ulsan for EXMAR, the milestone validates HHI-EMD’s precision manufacturing and WinGD’s high-pressure injection technology, which achieved negligible N2O emissions. With 30 engines already ordered, this certification confirms ammonia’s readiness for the global fleet.
Switzerland | February 25, 2026 – The maritime industry’s pursuit of zero-carbon propulsion has reached a historic turning point. Swiss engine innovator WinGD has officially completed the world’s first Type Approval Testing (TAT) and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for an ammonia-fuelled two-stroke marine engine.
The milestone tests were conducted on the X52DF-A-1.0 engine at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI-EMD) in South Korea. Witnessed by Lloyd’s Register and all major classification societies, the successful validation clears the path for the engine’s installation on a 46,000m³ LPG/ammonia carrier for EXMAR, set to be the first of its kind in commercial service.
Manufacturing Precision: A Technical Leadership Milestone
The successful completion of the TAT and FAT programs highlights the manufacturing expertise required to handle the complexities of ammonia.
Minho Kang, Head of Marine Engine & Machinery Technical Section at HHI-EMD, emphasized the significance of the achievement:
“By successfully completing the world’s first Type Approval Testing and Factory Acceptance Testing, processes that require a high level of precision throughout both manufacturing and testing, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has demonstrated its technological leadership in the next-generation eco-friendly marine engine market. We will continue to lead the decarbonisation of maritime transport by delivering high-quality, environmentally friendly marine engines.”
Defying the Emission Trade-offs
The multi-year development program focused on the dual challenges of safety and system integration. Results from the X-DF-A engine have surpassed industry expectations:
- Superior Emissions Profile: NOx emissions during ammonia operation were recorded significantly below standard diesel levels.
- GHG Mitigation: Crucially, emissions of N2O (nitrous oxide) were negligible, addressing one of the primary environmental concerns regarding ammonia combustion.
- Performance Parity: Utilizing high-pressure ammonia injection with a 5% pilot fuel dose, the engine delivers dynamic response and fuel efficiency on par with conventional diesel X-engines.
Sotiris Topaloglou, WinGD’s Global Head of Testing & Validation, stated:
“We are addressing a completely new fuel landscape. Demonstrating the world’s first TAT for an ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engine proves that ammonia propulsion can meet the highest standards of reliability, performance, and safety expected by the industry.”
From Cargo to Combatting Carbon
The test engine is destined for a 46,000m³ LPG/ammonia carrier on order for EXMAR. This vessel is set to become the first ammonia-fuelled gas carrier to enter commercial service.
Kristof Coppé, Director Fleet Operations at EXMAR, highlighted the synergy of their 40-year history transporting ammonia:
“EXMAR has been able to critically assess both the engine design and the test program, with particular attention to safety considerations associated with using a toxic cargo as fuel. We now look ahead to sea trials in the coming months.”
Market Momentum: 30 Engines Already on Order
The market’s response to the X-DF-A platform has been immediate. WinGD confirmed an early orderbook of approximately 30 engines spanning multiple segments, including container vessels, bulk carriers, and tankers.
For EXMAR, the journey began in 2021. With TAT and FAT complete, the focus now shifts to sea trials in the coming months, which will validate the seamless integration of ammonia fuel systems in a real-world maritime environment.
About HD Hyundai Heavy Industries – Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD)
Based in Ulsan, South Korea, HHI-EMD is the world’s largest marine engine builder, commanding an approximate 35% share of the global market. As the primary manufacturing partner for the maritime energy transition, the division operates the world’s most advanced two-stroke engine plants, capable of producing over 12 million brake horsepower (BHP) annually.
Key Highlights:
- Global Leader: Supplies “one out of every three” two-stroke engines currently in global operation.
- Proprietary Innovation: Beyond being a premier licensee for WinGD, HHI-EMD developed HiMSEN, the world’s leading four-stroke medium-speed engine brand.
- Decarbonization Hub: The Ulsan facility serves as the global proving ground for dual-fuel technologies, having pioneered large-scale manufacturing for LNG, Methanol, and now World-First Ammonia propulsion systems.
About EXMAR
Headquartered in Antwerp, EXMAR is a premier provider of floating solutions for the operation, transportation, and transformation of gas. With a fleet of 40 LPG and ammonia carriers, as well as innovative floating LNG and offshore infrastructure, EXMAR is a turn-key expert in the global energy value chain. The company’s infrastructure business is dedicated to developing and operating high-performance assets that facilitate the global transition to cleaner energy.
About WinGD
WinGD advances the decarbonisation of marine transportation through sustainable energy systems using the most advanced technologies in emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, hybridisation and digital optimisation. With their two-stroke low-speed engines at the heart of the power equation, WinGD sets the industry standard for reliability, safety, efficiency, and environmental design – supported by Global Service by WinGD, which delivers tailored 24X7 lifecycle engine support through Swiss engineering excellence, dependable maintenance, rapid global response, and genuine parts to keep engines performing at their best.
Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland since its origin as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, today it is powering the transformation to a sustainable future.
Source: WinGD