Swiss marine power company WinGD has reported promising results during early testing of its new X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engine design.
A 52-bore single-cylinder version of the engine is currently undergoing trials at the company’s Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur, with final validation expected ahead of initial engine deliveries scheduled for June 2025.
The single-cylinder testing provides a fast-track method for validating the ammonia combustion system under real engine conditions, while also optimizing emissions and overall performance. This phase follows earlier combustion experiments, safety concept validations through test rigs, and multiple class society approvals. In the coming months, full-scale testing of a multi-cylinder engine at WinGD’s Global Research Centre in Shanghai will verify the engine’s turbocharger configuration and control system, marking the final steps before production begins.
WinGD Vice President of Research & Development, Sebastian Hensel, commented: “The single-cylinder X-DF-A concept is running well, with combustion efficiency, emissions and pilot consumption within our range of expectations. This milestone is a testament to our uniquely rigorous approach to innovation and the fantastic work of our development team and partners.”
WinGD launched its dedicated ammonia development program in 2019. By 2022, the initiative had advanced to trials using the company’s proprietary spray combustion chamber (SCC). This was followed by a detailed evaluation of key engine components within ERIC’s Future Fuels Lab. Prior to the current single-cylinder tests, WinGD successfully tested its ammonia fuel injectors on dedicated test rigs to assess functionality, mechanical reliability, and performance.
WinGD Head of Testing and Validation, Sotiris Topaloglou, mentioned: “In previous tests, we verified that SCC results were transferable one-to-one to the results on our test engines, which is why we invest so much time on these early testing phases. As a result, we are in a strong position to make rapid progress through validation of our ammonia technology.”
Additionally, the injectors were evaluated on a multi-cylinder methanol engine operating at 100% load, which provided insights into the ammonia injection concept under challenging engine conditions. This allowed WinGD to refine the technology before moving to ammonia-based testing.
The X-DF-A platform combines established diesel-cycle technology with innovative advancements for efficient ammonia injection and combustion, aimed at reducing emissions. Addressing ammonia’s unique characteristics as a fuel, WinGD has also developed a comprehensive fuel handling and safety concept.
The engine’s safety systems will undergo rigorous verification during testing, with approvals already secured from several classification societies. The company works closely with fuel technology providers, shipyards, and early customers to ensure seamless integration and safe operation.
To date, WinGD has received nearly 30 orders for the X-DF-A engines across various shipping segments, including bulk carriers, containerships, tankers, and LPG/ammonia carriers. The first engines will be delivered to Exmar LPG for four LPG/ammonia carriers and to CMB.Tech for ten bulk carriers.
