WinGD Builds Momentum in Ammonia Marine Propulsion with Testing Milestone for LPG and Ammonia Carrier Engine

WinGD Builds Momentum in Ammonia Marine Propulsion with Testing Milestone for LPG and Ammonia Carrier Engine

(IN BRIEF) WinGD has completed another Factory Acceptance Testing milestone for its ammonia-fuelled two-stroke marine engine, further advancing the company’s X-DF-A platform toward commercial deployment. The latest FAT was conducted in April 2026 on the X52DF-A-1.0 engine built by Yuchai Marine Power Co., Ltd in the presence of China Classification Society. The engine will be installed on the first of four LPG/ammonia carriers being built for Tianjin Southwest Maritime at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited in China. Testing on the 52-bore engine showed stable performance and positive emissions results, with NOx emissions during ammonia operation significantly below those of conventional fuels and N₂O emissions remaining minimal. WinGD said the results provide further validation of the platform’s safety and performance parameters, while also underlining the importance of cooperation between engine designers, builders and wider maritime industry partners. With more than 30 X-DF-A engines already on order across multiple vessel segments, WinGD sees growing market confidence in ammonia as a scalable carbon-free marine fuel and a key part of shipping’s long-term decarbonisation pathway.

(PRESS RELEASE) WINTERTHUR, 21-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — WinGD has completed another Factory Acceptance Testing milestone for its ammonia-fuelled two-stroke marine engine, further supporting the company’s progress toward bringing ammonia propulsion into commercial operation for zero-carbon shipping. The latest test marks another important step in the validation of WinGD’s X-DF-A engine platform and follows earlier achievements in South Korea, where the company completed both Type Approval Testing and the first Factory Acceptance Testing for the ammonia-fuelled engine earlier this year.

The most recent FAT was carried out in April 2026 on the X52DF-A-1.0 engine built by Yuchai Marine Power Co., Ltd. The testing took place in the presence of China Classification Society and provided additional verification of the engine’s performance and safety characteristics as ammonia-fuelled propulsion moves closer to commercial deployment.

The engine is scheduled to be installed on the first vessel in a series of four LPG/ammonia carriers being built for Tianjin Southwest Maritime at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited in China. The vessels are part of a new generation of carriers designed to support the maritime sector’s transition toward lower- and zero-carbon fuels, with ammonia emerging as one of the key alternatives under consideration for deep-sea shipping.

The testing programme focused on a 52-bore engine intended for a 25,000m³ LPG/ammonia carrier. Results showed stable engine performance, alongside encouraging emissions outcomes. During ammonia operation, NOx emissions were significantly lower than those produced by conventional fuels, while N₂O emissions remained minimal. These results contribute to a stronger overall greenhouse gas profile and help demonstrate the technical potential of ammonia as a marine fuel.

Peter Krähenbühl, VP Product Center at WinGD, said the successful completion of Factory Acceptance Testing in China provides further validation of the X-DF-A platform across important performance and safety areas. He noted that the results show continued progress in the development and verification of ammonia-fuelled engine technology.

Krähenbühl added that the commercial introduction of ammonia propulsion requires close collaboration across the maritime value chain, especially between engine designers and engine builders. He said WinGD’s work with partners such as YCMP helps convert development progress into reliable manufacturing and testing results, supporting the safe and efficient deployment of ammonia-fuelled propulsion systems.

WinGD’s orderbook reflects growing confidence in ammonia as a future fuel for shipping. The company has secured orders for more than 30 X-DF-A engines across several vessel types, including gas carriers, bulk carriers, tankers and container vessels. This growing demand points to the increasing pace of adoption as engine technology, ship design and operational planning continue to develop together.

The latest testing milestone also reflects broader international investment in ammonia propulsion. Early commercial projects are helping demonstrate the fuel’s viability across major shipping segments, while parallel developments in renewable fuel production, bunkering infrastructure and vessel design are strengthening the case for ammonia as part of the industry’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.

Ammonia is gaining attention as a scalable carbon-free fuel option for maritime transport. Studies, including recent work by WinGD and Envision, have continued to highlight its potential economic competitiveness and long-term suitability for marine use, particularly as the shipping industry looks for practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

WinGD’s X-DF-A engine platform uses high-pressure ammonia injection combined with a low, targeted pilot fuel dose of around five per cent at full load. The platform is designed to deliver load handling, dynamic response and fuel efficiency comparable to WinGD’s diesel-fuelled X-Engines in both ammonia and diesel operating modes. This gives shipowners a practical route to reduce emissions while retaining operational flexibility during the transition to future marine fuels.

Notes to editors

WinGD in brief

WinGD advances the decarbonisation of marine transportation through sustainable energy systems using the most advanced technologies in emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, hybridisation and digital optimisation. With their two-stroke low-speed engines at the heart of the power equation, WinGD sets the industry standard for reliability, safety, efficiency, and environmental design – supported by Global Service by WinGD, which delivers tailored 24X7 lifecycle engine support through Swiss engineering excellence, dependable maintenance, rapid global response, and genuine parts to keep engines performing at their best.

Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland since its origin as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, today it is powering the transformation to a sustainable future.

For more information visit: www.wingd.com Follow WinGD on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates

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SOURCE: WinGD