WinGD calls for urgent regulatory clarity as Global Maritime Forum report confirms readiness of methanol and ammonia fuels

WinGD calls for urgent regulatory clarity as Global Maritime Forum report confirms readiness of methanol and ammonia fuels

(IN BRIEF) WinGD has endorsed the Global Maritime Forum’s new report, which concludes that methanol and ammonia are ready to move from pilots to large-scale adoption as zero and near-zero emissions fuels. The company highlighted its recent milestone of launching the first ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engine, the X52DF-A, now installed on an EXMAR vessel, and noted that its methanol engines are already in service across a growing global fleet. Testing has confirmed ammonia’s potential to cut emissions by up to 95%. While progress is strong on the technology side, WinGD warned that regulatory delays risk slowing adoption. With the IMO not expected to define ZNZ fuel incentives until 2027, both shipowners and fuel producers lack the certainty to invest. WinGD also underscored the need for real-world emissions verification, arguing that genuine decarbonisation requires measurement-based data rather than default calculations. The company believes the foundations for net-zero shipping are in place but calls for accelerated IMO action and supply chain development to realise the sector’s climate ambitions.

(PRESS RELEASE) WINTERTHUR, 11-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — WinGD has welcomed the findings of the Global Maritime Forum’s latest report, From pilots to practice: Methanol and ammonia as shipping fuels, which shows that the shipping industry has reached a tipping point in its decarbonisation pathway. According to the report, zero and near-zero (ZNZ) emissions fuels such as methanol and ammonia are no longer experimental concepts but practical realities, ready to scale once supply chains are in place.

This conclusion resonates strongly with WinGD’s own progress. In July, the company became the first engine designer to deliver an ammonia-fuelled two-stroke marine engine to the market. The X52DF-A engine, now installed on a 46,000m³ LPG/ammonia carrier for EXMAR, will power the world’s first ammonia-fuelled gas carrier — a landmark in bringing ammonia into commercial service. At the same time, WinGD’s XDF-M methanol engines are already deployed across the global fleet of more than 60 methanol-capable vessels, with some 300 additional ships on order and bunkering infrastructure expanding at around 20 ports worldwide.

Testing has shown that WinGD’s ammonia engines have the potential to cut tank-to-wake emissions by up to 95%, proving their viability as ZNZ fuels. Customer feedback also echoes the report’s findings: early adopters of methanol report that it is relatively straightforward to integrate, while retrofit conversions are feasible and safe.

However, WinGD stresses that technology progress alone will not meet 2030 goals. Regulatory clarity is now the most urgent requirement. While the IMO’s Net Zero Framework signals intent, key financial incentive mechanisms for using ZNZ fuels are not expected until March 2027 — just months before implementation. Without earlier certainty, energy producers cannot scale green fuel supply and shipowners cannot commit to long-term investments.

WinGD also highlighted the importance of real-world data to validate emissions reductions. Independent studies of early ammonia vessels are essential to confirm their performance. The company has long advocated for measurement-based verification rather than outdated default factors. Its recent LNG engine trials already showed methane slip reductions of up to 70% compared to figures still embedded in current regulation. With ammonia bunkering trials now underway, real-world measurement will be crucial to confirming the 95% reduction potential and avoiding greenwashing.

“The pathway to net-zero shipping is increasingly clear,” WinGD said in a statement. “But achieving it depends on faster IMO decision-making, timely development of fuel supply chains, and robust emissions verification frameworks. The technology is ready — now we need regulatory action to match the ambition.”

Media Contact:

Dominik Schneiter
Chief Executive Officer
+41 52 264 8844
info@wingd.com

SOURCE: Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd