WinGD, the Swiss marine power company, has announced a significant milestone in its efforts to drive decarbonization within the maritime industry. The company has secured orders for its ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engine technology, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable marine propulsion solutions. These engines will power seven LPG/ammonia carriers ordered by Tianjin Southwest Shipping, highlighting the growing adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel in the evolving hydrogen economy.
Pioneering ammonia technology for gas carriers
The engines, to be manufactured at Yuchai Marine Power Co., will be installed on a mix of seven vessels, including 25,000m³ and 41,000m³ gas carriers. These vessels, scheduled for delivery starting in Q3 2026, will be equipped with 6-cylinder, 52-bore X-DF-A engines. Construction will take place at Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, a Chinese shipyard known for its expertise in small- and medium-sized gas carriers.
This order highlights the critical role of gas carriers in supporting the global supply chain for green ammonia, which is gaining prominence as a cornerstone of the hydrogen economy. By deploying ammonia-fuelled engines, these carriers are also at the forefront of transitioning the maritime industry to zero-carbon fuel options.
Strategic growth in ammonia propulsion
WinGD’s Director of Sales, Volkmar Galke, emphasized the importance of these orders, stating “The demand for gas carriers is growing rapidly as the central role of ammonia in the hydrogen economy is becoming clear. WinGD has already reported multiple orders of its new X‑DF‑A engine in this segment, and these new orders – a result of our strong relationships in the Chinese shipping market – further the transition towards a sustainable shipping industry that can operate on the zero-carbon energy sources it carries.”
WinGD has been developing the X-DF-A engine since 2019, focusing on safety and a thorough understanding of ammonia’s combustion characteristics. The technology has received approvals in principle from several leading classification societies, providing ship operators with confidence in deploying this cutting-edge solution safely.
Expanding adoption of ammonia-fuelled engines
To date, WinGD has secured close to 30 orders for its ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A marine engines across various vessel types, including bulk carriers, gas carriers, container ships, and oil tankers. The engine sizes range from 52- to 72-bore, showcasing their versatility and increasing acceptance within the maritime sector.
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