Swiss marine power company WinGD has reached a significant milestone in the development of its next-generation ammonia-fuelled engine, the X-DF-A, with successful early tests at its Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur. A 52-bore single-cylinder version of the X-DF-A engine has shown promising results, with key parameters aligning with the company’s expectations during initial testing. This marks a critical step towards the final validation of the engine, with deliveries scheduled to commence in June 2025.
The single-cylinder test engine is playing a pivotal role in the rapid validation of the ammonia combustion system under realistic engine conditions. This testing phase will optimize both emissions and performance, providing the necessary data to fine-tune the design before scaling it up. The results so far are in line with expectations, following earlier combustion tests and the validation of essential systems on dedicated test rigs. These efforts, combined with multiple class approvals for the engine’s safety concept, underscore the rigorous testing and development process behind WinGD’s ammonia engine technology.
Key Insights from WinGD’s X-DF-A Testing
Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research & Development at WinGD, highlighted the success of the single-cylinder engine test, noting that combustion efficiency, emissions, and pilot consumption are all within the anticipated range.
Hensel commended the team’s dedication, stating, “This milestone is a testament to our uniquely rigorous approach to innovation and the fantastic work of our development team and partners.” The results of the early testing indicate that WinGD is on track to meet its goals for ammonia-fuelled marine engines, with advancements that could play a significant role in the decarbonization of the shipping industry.
The ammonia development programme, which began in 2019, has seen WinGD invest significant resources in perfecting the engine’s design. In 2022, the company began experiments with its one-of-a-kind spray combustion chamber (SCC), which laid the foundation for more detailed testing. According to
Sotiris Topaloglou, Head of Testing and Validation at WinGD, the results from the SCC were directly applicable to test engines, ensuring a strong starting point for full-scale validation. “We are in a strong position to make rapid progress through validation of our ammonia technology.”
Innovative Testing Approaches to Ensure Success
Before initiating tests on the single-cylinder engine, WinGD rigorously tested the ammonia fuel injectors on dedicated test rigs, evaluating their mechanical behavior, reliability, and overall performance. This testing included using a multi-cylinder methanol engine under 100% load, allowing the company to verify the ammonia injection system’s functionality under challenging thermal conditions. This careful preparation enabled WinGD to make necessary adjustments before transitioning to ammonia testing, ensuring that the system could withstand the harsh operating conditions typical of marine engines.
Innovative Design for Efficient and Safe Ammonia Use
The X-DF-A platform integrates proven technology with innovative features that are essential for the efficient use of ammonia as a marine fuel. The diesel-cycle concept, which has been a mainstay of WinGD’s engine portfolio, forms the basis of the X-DF-A engine. However, WinGD has developed new technologies to optimize ammonia injection and combustion, reducing engine emissions to meet strict environmental standards. The company has also focused heavily on developing a comprehensive fuel handling and safety concept, crucial given ammonia’s unique characteristics as a fuel.
Ammonia’s toxicity and flammability make its safe handling a significant challenge, and WinGD has addressed these concerns through its extensive safety systems. The company has secured approvals in principle for its safety concept from several class societies, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that the engine meets stringent safety requirements. To further refine its safety approach, WinGD has collaborated with fuel technology providers to create a tailored fuel system that can handle ammonia safely and efficiently. Additionally, WinGD is working closely with shipyards and early customers to ensure that these safety measures are integrated seamlessly into the installation and operation of the engines.
Growing Interest and Market Adoption
WinGD has already secured nearly 30 orders for its X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines across multiple maritime sectors, including bulk carriers, containerships, tankers, and LPG/ammonia carriers. The first engines will be installed on four LPG/ammonia carriers for Exmar LPG and ten bulk carriers operated by CMB.Tech. These early orders underscore the growing interest in ammonia as a viable marine fuel and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to advancing cleaner technologies.
Looking Ahead: Full-Scale Testing and Production
In the coming months, WinGD will move forward with a multi-cylinder engine test at its Global Research Centre in Shanghai. This test will focus on validating the full-scale engine, turbocharger configuration, and control system, setting the stage for the engine’s production phase. As the final testing phase progresses, WinGD remains on track to deliver the X-DF-A engine by June 2025, with the potential to reshape the future of marine propulsion and contribute to the ongoing transition towards cleaner, sustainable fuels in the maritime industry.
WinGD’s successful early running of the X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engine represents a key milestone in the development of next-generation marine propulsion technologies. The company’s rigorous testing approach, combined with its innovative ammonia handling and safety systems, positions the X-DF-A engine as a game-changer for the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts. As WinGD prepares for full-scale engine validation and production, the company is well-positioned to play a leading role in the future of ammonia-powered vessels, with growing market interest further solidifying its place at the forefront of marine fuel technology.
About WinGD
WinGD is committed to advancing the decarbonization of marine transportation through cutting-edge energy systems that reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and integrate hybrid and digital optimization technologies. With its two-stroke low-speed engines, WinGD sets the standard for reliability, safety, and efficiency.
Based in Winterthur, Switzerland, WinGD builds on its legacy as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business established in 1893. Today, the company plays a pivotal role in transforming maritime propulsion for a sustainable future, supported by a global network of service and expertise.
This latest development reinforces WinGD’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that align with the industry’s goals of achieving zero-carbon shipping.
Source WinGD