WinGD and CMB.TECH to co-develop large ammonia-fueled engine

An agreement has been signed by WinGD and CMB.TECH for the development of ammonia-fueled two-stroke engines. The dual-fuel engine – named the X72DF – will be installed on board a series of 10 bulk carriers which will be constructed in China between 2025 and 2026.

With knowledge of alternative fuels and experience in building marine projects that run on hydrogen and ammonia, CMB.TECH will support WinGD in establishing its ammonia-fueled engine concept for a large bore engine. The large bulk carriers that will utilize WinGD’s ammonia engines are stated to be the first of their kind. The engines will become part of WinGD’s X-DF portfolio and will be based on the company’s X92B engine.

“We believe that ammonia is the most promising zero-carbon fuel for deep sea vessels,” said Alexander Saverys, CEO, CMB. “Our intention is to have dual-fuel ammonia-diesel engines on our dry bulk vessels, container vessels and chemical tankers. Collaborating with WinGD on the development of the first ammonia-fueled two-stroke engines for our fleet is a pioneering partnership on the road to zero emissions in shipping.”

“This project is a significant step in accelerating our ammonia technology roadmap for a zero-carbon future,” commented Klaus Heim, CEO, WinGD. “Having CMB.TECH’s input into the engine development will be invaluable given their alternative fuel expertise and their ship operator’s perspective on how an engine concept is implemented and ultimately operated. The project is an opportunity to widen the rollout of ammonia technology across our portfolio, in line with our previously stated timeframe of introducing the first engine concept in 2025.”