WinGD Receives Initial Approval for Ammonia Two-Stroke Engine

Swiss marine power company WinGD has received the first-ever approval in principle (AiP) for two-stroke engines fueled with ammonia. Lloyd’s Register granted the AiP to WinGD’s X-DF-A dual-fuel range, providing shipowners with the confidence to design vessels using ammonia-fueled main engines for the first time. The development of WinGD’s ammonia-fueled engine series has received strong support from shipowners, shipyards, and engine builders. The first engine in the series, the 52-bore X52DF-A, will be available for delivery from Q4 2024 and can be used in various vessels, including gas and bulk carriers.

WinGD CEO Dominik Schneiter stated that this approval demonstrates that the company is leading the way in bringing carbon-free ammonia power to the deep-sea fleet. With the support of partners like Lloyd’s Register, these technologies will be available well before emission targets require them, allowing operators to plan and gain experience. Lloyd’s Register CEO Nick Brown added that this AiP will give early adopters confidence that the ammonia two-stroke engine can help meet the industry’s demand for new technologies, as long as there is careful consideration in design, build, integration, and operation.

As part of the AiP process, Lloyd’s Register assessed the safety concept, risk assessments, and preliminary design of the engine and fuel supply system, as well as confirmed the compatibility of materials with ammonia fuel. WinGD plans to expand the X-DF-A platform to include a 72-bore variant in 2025, followed by other engine sizes in 2026 to accommodate a wide range of vessel types. The engines operate according to the Diesel principle in both diesel and ammonia modes and will be available with the same cylinder configurations as WinGD’s existing Diesel engines.

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