Swiss marine power company WinGD continues to make waves in the maritime industry with its latest milestone: securing an order for its X‑DF‑A ammonia-fuelled engines, marking the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Aframax tankers. The order, placed by Singapore-based ship owner and operator AET, underscores a significant shift towards cleaner energy solutions in maritime transportation.
AET Pioneers Clean-Energy Ship Operations
AET’s decision to invest in ammonia-fuelled vessels reflects a strategic commitment to sustainable shipping practices. The two tankers, to be constructed at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd (DSIC), will be equipped with six-cylinder X62DF-A engines, the latest addition to WinGD’s portfolio of clean-fuel engines. This collaboration builds upon the ongoing partnership between WinGD and AET, which includes a previous agreement signed in July 2023 to advance technology development and crew training for ammonia-fuelled vessels in conjunction with ALAM, operated and managed by MISC’s Malaysian Maritime Academy Sdn. Bhd.
Safety Credentials and Industry Recognition
WinGD’s dedication to safety and innovation has been recognized by leading classification societies. The company has secured approvals in principle (AiPs) from four esteemed organizations: Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, China Classification Society, and ClassNK. These endorsements underscore the reliability and robustness of WinGD’s ammonia-engine technology, further instilling confidence in its suitability for commercial applications.
Leading the Charge Towards Carbon-Free Power
Volkmar Galke, Director Sales at WinGD, emphasizes the significance of early adopters in driving the adoption of ammonia fuel. He remarks, “First adopters of ammonia fuel are signaling confidence in the viability of both the fuel and the technology to use it.” The collaboration with AET exemplifies WinGD’s leadership in promoting sustainable alternatives within the maritime sector. Galke asserts that the order, coupled with the company’s AiPs for safety concepts and fuel supply system design, underscores WinGD’s pivotal role in ushering carbon-free power solutions into the deep-sea fleet.
Diversified Engine Portfolio to Meet Market Demands
WinGD’s commitment to innovation extends beyond ammonia dual-fuel engines. The company has also secured orders for X52DF‑A engines for ammonia carriers and X72DF-A engines for bulk carriers. These engines, varying in bore sizes, are slated for delivery between 2025 and 2026, catering to diverse vessel types ranging from small tankers to very large tankers. Operating on the Diesel principle in both diesel and ammonia modes, WinGD’s engines offer versatility and performance comparable to its established diesel-fuelled X-Engine range.
