WinGD proves ammonia engine performance

The results provide crucial assurance as the first users prepare their vessels and auxiliary systems for ammonia fuel.

“Our well-structured development approach has paid off,” said WinGD vice president R&D, Sebastian Hensel.

“After intensive efforts to understand the principles of ammonia injection and combustion, we are the first two-stroke engine designer to demonstrate 100% ammonia operation with 5% pilot fuel consumption and such low emissions.”

The tests at its WinGD’s Engine Research and Innovation Centre in Winterthur, Switzerland confirmed that the engine performs at the same thermal efficiency when operating on ammonia as it does on diesel.

Pilot oil consumption was also in line with expectations, at just 5% of total fuel consumption at full load.

Emissions data was particularly promising, with ammonia emissions below 10ppm, N2O below 3ppm, and NOx levels well below those generated during diesel operation. Notably, these low emissions were achieved without the need for an ammonia slip catalyst, confirming that the engine can operate on ammonia fuel without additional after-treatment.

The first engines will be delivered from mid-2025 for ammonia carriers owned by Exmar LPG and bulk carriers operated by CMB.Tech. Nearly 30 orders have already been secured.