Swiss marine power company WinGD will deliver ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engines for a series of two 46,000m3 LPG/ammonia carriers to be built for EXMAR LPG BV, a joint venture of EXMAR and Seapeak, at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The two 52-bore X52DF-A engines will be delivered in Q2 2025 and will be among the first of WinGD’s ammonia-fuelled engines to enter service.

The order represents WinGD’s entry into an emerging market for ammonia-fueled gas carriers. Such vessels have traditionally been early adopters of new power technology using their cargoes as fuel, and the ammonia transport market is projected to surge over the next few years as global demand for carbon-free fuel and hydrogen carriers accelerates.

WinGD Director of Sales, Volkmar Galke said: “Ammonia is set to become a mainstream sustainable marine fuel and energy carrier by mid-century, and we are delighted to be working with EXMAR to ensure that the vessels carrying the cargo will be among the first to use it. Thanks to close cooperation with the owner, shipyard, engine builder Hyundai Heavy Industries and other stake holders, WinGD’s X52DF-A will be available soon – not just for ammonia carriers but also for a range of other vessel types that can benefit from ammonia as a fuel.”

EXMAR’s Deputy Director Shipping, Carl-Antoine Saverys said: “As global leader in maritime ammonia and LPG transportation we have a long history of innovative ship designs and floating infrastructure platforms. With four decades of experience in handling ammonia cargoes we are confident in our ability to safely and effectively use this innovative zero-carbon shipping fuel. This journey continues to shape the maritime industry, and we're pleased with the strong collaboration with WinGD and the other partners to drive sustainability forward.”

The X-DF-A range will feature high-pressure ammonia injection supplemented by a low targeted dose of pilot fuel, around 5%. Its performance and fuel efficiency will be similar to that of WinGD’s equivalent sized diesel-fueled X-Engines, in both ammonia and diesel mode. No after-treatment for N2O emissions is foreseen, with selective catalytic reduction assuring Tier III NOx compliance on either fuel.

The X-DF-A range will span WinGD’s entire portfolio, with early orders also received for the 72-bore variant. The entire range has been approved in principle by Lloyd’s Register, meaning that owners can already incorporate X-DF-A engines into their newbuilding plans today.