l to r, Stefano Bottino, Alfa Laval, Sameer Kalra, Marcel Ott, Volkmar Galke, Rudolf Holtbecker,
Swiss marine power company WinGD, Swedish marine technology leader Alfa Laval, and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) have joined forces with Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding (KSB) to develop an ammonia-fuelled MR tanker design. This collaboration, formalized under a memorandum of understanding signed in April, represents a significant step towards sustainable maritime solutions. The new design will feature WinGD’s 6X52DF-A engine, promising a cleaner and more efficient future for tanker operations.
WinGD is set to work closely with KSB to specify the fuel gas system requirements suitable for the vessel and its selected engine. Meanwhile, Alfa Laval will provide the detailed documentation necessary for the final fuel gas system design. The American Bureau of Shipping will review this design with the goal of issuing an approval in principle, ensuring that the proposed tanker meets all safety and operational standards.
Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of R&D at WinGD, expressed optimism about the project’s momentum. “After early orders for bulk carriers and ammonia carriers, it is encouraging to see that ammonia-fuelled tanker projects are picking up momentum. And even more encouraging that our X-DF-A engines are at the heart of many of these projects. Developing full vessel designs that shipowners can adopt easily will only accelerate the transition and we are pleased to be part of the collaboration with KSB in delivering this design.”
Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems at Alfa Laval, highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort. “This MOU signifies a powerful step forward to make ammonia a viable marine fuel. Our proven expertise in handling diverse fuel types, especially methanol and LPG, will be instrumental in designing the new fuel supply system for ammonia. We believe that partnerships are key for the maritime industry to achieve the ambitious decarbonization targets and support the fuel transition. By working alongside WinGD, ABS, and K Shipbuilding, we accelerate this transition and make it safer.”
The X52DF-A engine, central to this project, is the smallest bore size in WinGD’s ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A series and the first to be developed. This engine is expected to have widespread application across various vessel types, including bulk carriers, tankers, and ammonia carriers. Notably, it has already been ordered for two ammonia carriers slated for delivery in early 2026. The design of the X52DF-A engine has received approvals in principle from four class societies, including ABS, reinforcing confidence in its safe deployment and operation.
Joint Development Projects (JDPs) and other collaborations have been pivotal in advancing WinGD’s ammonia engine developments. These partnerships, focusing on vessel designs and crew training, are crucial in supporting both the deployment of ammonia-fuelled engines and the maritime industry’s readiness to operate them safely.
This project illustrates the collective efforts of industry leaders to drive innovation and sustainability in maritime transport. By combining their expertise and resources, WinGD, Alfa Laval, ABS, and K Shipbuilding are paving the way for the adoption of ammonia as a viable marine fuel, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards decarbonization.
