Swiss company WinGD, which develops marine engines, and Belgian shipping firm EXMAR have just delivered what they call the world's first ocean-going ship designed to run on ammonia fuel. This is a significant step in th...
Swiss company WinGD, which develops marine engines, and Belgian shipping firm EXMAR have just delivered what they call the world's first ocean-going ship designed to run on ammonia fuel. This is a significant step in the shipping industry's quest for zero-carbon propulsion technologies.
The vessel, ANTWERPEN, is a 46,000-cubic-meter carrier for LPG and ammonia, powered by WinGD's X52DF-A two-stroke engine that runs on ammonia. After successful sea trials in South Korea, the ship has been handed over to EXMAR and will begin commercial operations as the first of four ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers that the Belgian company has ordered.
This project came to life through teamwork between WinGD, EXMAR, engine builder HD Hyundai Engine & Machinery Division, and shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The delivery is happening at a time when the maritime industry is pushing hard to find low- and zero-carbon fuels that can meet strict emissions regulations and help achieve the International Maritime Organization's net-zero goals.
“We are proud to deliver the world's first ammonia-fueled ocean-going vessel, a significant achievement made possible through intensive collaboration,” said Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research and Development at WinGD.
The X52DF-A engine works by injecting high-pressure ammonia along with a small amount of pilot fuel—around 5% when fully loaded. Sea trials have shown that it performs well, handling loads and responding dynamically, with fuel efficiency that rivals WinGD's conventional diesel engines in both ammonia and diesel modes.
Earlier this year, type approval and factory acceptance testing were completed at HD Hyundai’s engine manufacturing facility in South Korea, overseen by EXMAR and the classification society Lloyd’s Register.
“Ammonia propulsion is no longer just a theory—we are putting it into action,” said Carl-Antoine Saverys, CEO of EXMAR Group. “This achievement showcases our collective expertise and commitment to advancing sustainable shipping.”
Ammonia is seen as a top candidate for making deep-sea shipping more environmentally friendly because it has no carbon and does not produce carbon dioxide emissions when burned. However, it also presents challenges due to its toxicity and the need for careful handling, prompting years of development by engine manufacturers, shipbuilders, and classification societies.
WinGD has reported 40 orders for its X-DF-A ammonia engine across various types of vessels, including gas carriers, bulk carriers, tankers, and containerships, indicating growing confidence in ammonia's commercial viability.
The ANTWERPEN is the first of four sister ships that EXMAR plans to build, each named after a Belgian city. These vessels are expected to provide valuable operational experience and performance data as the industry assesses ammonia's future role in marine fuel options.