WinGD and Mitsubishi planning the development of ammonia-fueled ships

WinGD and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding are joining forces with the aim of advancing environmentally friendly ammonia-fueled engines for merchant vessels. The two companies have now signed the relevant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The project will start in the third quarter of 2023. The ships are expected to be operational in 2027.

In a press release, the Japanese shipbuilder states that WinGD is currently developing large, low-speed, two-stroke X-DF-A marine engines powered by ammonia. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will now work with WinGD to study the technologies for the design and commercialization of the ammonia fuel supply system for the X-DF-A engines.

The press release issued by WinGD goes into further detail, stating that within the framework of this partnership, the Winterthur-based ship engine builder will use its ammonia-fueled X-DF-A engines in a number of ships designed by Mitsubishi. In addition, Mitsubishi will complete the fuel chain with its ammonia fuel supply system and determine the performance parameters for the engines.

“Our aim is to develop the applicability of these engines and their critical fuel elements across multiple vessel types”, comments Dominik Schneiter, Vice President R&D at WinGD, in the press release. In this context, the partners are keen to uphold “the highest standards for environmental impact and for the safety of the crew on board”. ce/mm