WinGD Achieves Remarkable Success in Comprehensive Testing of X-DF-A Ammonia Engine at Full Capacity

Swiss marine power firm WinGD has announced notable advancements in its X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engine design following extensive full-load testing at its Engine Research and Innovation Centre in Winterthur,Switzerland. These performance and emission results provide crucial validation as initial users prepare their vessels and auxiliary systems for ammonia fuel.

The tests corroborate the engine performance metrics that WinGD has made available through its General Technical Data (GTD) software, which is accessible online and guaranteed to clients.The operation on ammonia demonstrated thermal efficiency comparable to that of diesel fuel, with pilot oil consumption maintained at the targeted 5% of total fuel usage under full load conditions.

Emissions data was also promising, showing ammonia emissions below 10ppm and N2O levels under 3ppm.Notably, NOx emissions during ammonia operation were significantly lower than those produced when using diesel. Importantly, these low emissions were achieved without requiring exhaust gas after-treatment systems, allowing WinGD to confirm that an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) will not be necessary for the engine’s operation with ammonia fuel.

Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research & Progress at WinGD stated: “Our structured development strategy has proven effective. After extensive research into the dynamics of ammonia injection and combustion processes, we are proud to be the first two-stroke engine manufacturer to achieve 100% operational capability on ammonia with just 5% pilot fuel consumption while maintaining such minimal emissions.”

WinGD’s exploration into ammonia combustion commenced in 2021 and has advanced through several meticulously planned phases.This includes utilizing proprietary technology like a specialized full-scale Spray Combustion Chamber that allows for observation of combustion parameters under realistic two-stroke engine conditions. Performance forecasts based on this technology have now been validated during full-load testing.

The inaugural engines are set to be delivered starting mid-2025 for Exmar LPG’s ammonia carriers and bulk carriers operated by CMB.tech; these will feature engines