WinGD, Mitsubishi to work on ammonia-fuelled vessels

WinGD and Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have signed a memorandum of understanding for a partnership on ammonia-fuelled vessels.

The project will see WinGD applying its X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines to a range of vessel designs, with Mitsubishi both designing the vessels and completing the fuel chain with its ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS).

Green ammonia has emerged as a promising alternative fuel to help the maritime industry reduce its carbon emissions.

Under the partnership, WinGD will develop X-DF-A engines of various sizes, providing Mitsubishi with the specifications for installing the engines and the requirements for all auxiliary fuel systems. Mitsubishi will design the vessels, set performance parameters for the engines, and further develop its existing AFSS for use with WinGD’s ammonia engines.

This project will allow WinGD and Mitsubishi to make further progress in bringing ammonia-fuelled capability to merchant vessels within our established future fuel development timeframe,” said Dominik Schneiter, Vice President R&D at WinGD. “It is a timely opportunity to apply X-DF-A engines across a wider range of bore sizes. Our aim is to develop the applicability of these engines and their critical fuel elements across multiple vessel types, while upholding the highest standards for environmental impact and for the safety of the crew on board.”

The project will commence in the third quarter of 2023, with a timeline considered that could place vessels in service by 2027.