WinGD’s X-DF-A Ammonia-Fueled Engine Shows Promising Results in Early Testing Phase

Switzerland-headquartered marine power company WinGD has recently achieved significant milestones in the early testing phase of its new X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engine design. According to the company, key parameters have been recorded in line with expectations during testing at its Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur, Switzerland.

The X-DF-A engine, based on the diesel-cycle concept, has undergone successful testing of a 52-bore single-cylinder variant at ERIC. Final validation is expected to be completed before the first engine deliveries scheduled for June 2025.

WinGD has developed new technologies to inject and burn ammonia efficiently, controlling and minimizing emissions. The company has also focused on fuel handling and safety concepts, addressing the challenges posed by ammonia as a fuel.

Single-cylinder testing is paving the way for rapid validation of the ammonia combustion system under engine conditions, as well as the optimization of emissions and performance. The testing follows earlier experiments and approvals from classification societies like Lloyd’s Register and Bureau Veritas.

WinGD’s Vice President of Research & Development, Sebastian Hensel, expressed satisfaction with the progress, highlighting the combustion efficiency and emissions control achieved during the testing phase.

Looking ahead, WinGD plans to conduct multi-cylinder engine tests at its Global Research Centre in Shanghai to validate the full-scale engine and turbocharger configuration before production begins.

The company’s development program for ammonia-based engines started in 2019, progressing to experiments with the Spray Combustion Chamber (SCC) in 2022. Key engine components have been tested on rigs at ERIC’s Future Fuels Lab, ensuring reliability and performance.

With nearly 30 orders for X-DF-A engines in various segments including bulk carriers, containerships, tankers, and LPG/ammonia carriers, WinGD’s innovative engine design is gaining traction in the maritime industry. The first engines are set to power vessels for EXMAR and CMB.TECH, with additional orders from Tianjin Southwest Shipping.