Ammonia engine passes key milestone

The dual-fuel B&W 6G60ME-LGIA engine was built by licensee Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery Division and is destined for a vessel operated by Eastern Pacific Shipping. The ship is currently under construction at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The milestone supports Eastern Pacific Shipping’s ammonia fuel programme, with a series of very large ammonia carriers scheduled for delivery from October 2026. These vessels are expected to be the first globally equipped with ammonia-fuelled engines of this type.

“This is a huge milestone that places our ammonia engine on the very brink of its commercial debut,” said Ole Pyndt Hansen, senior vice president and head of Two-Stroke R&D at Everllence.

“Bringing new fuels to market is not just innovation – it’s imperative for zero-carbon shipping.”

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The ME-LGIA engine uses a dual-fuel liquid gas injection system based on the diesel principle and incorporates high pressure selective catalytic reduction technology. It also includes additional safety systems tailored to ammonia fuel, such as containment measures, advanced sensors and double-walled piping.

Christian Ludwig, head of Global Sales & Promotion for Everllence’s two-stroke business, said: “The engine is stable and running very well. This success follows an intensive three-year testing programme where safety has been the top priority.”

Everllence plans a full commercial rollout of the engine across multiple bore sizes, including retrofit options.