WinGD ammonia engines selected for Trafigura multi-gas carriers

Four medium-sized multi-gas carriers under construction at South Korea’s HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for Trafigura will be fitted with ammonia dual-fuel engine technology from WinGD.

The Swiss marine engine designer said it would deliver X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engine designs for the four 45,000-m³ gas carriers. Each of the medium-sized gas carriers (MGCs) will have a six-cylinder, 52-bore 6X52DF-A engine with high-pressure selective catalytic reduction.

This order is one of several WinGD has received for ammonia-carrying vessels.

One of the world’s largest vessel charterers and a major commodities group, Trafigura had committed to using low-carbon ammonia in the four MGCs when it ordered them in 2024.

As a member of the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero coalition and a founding member of the First Movers Coalition, Trafigura has committed to reducing the carbon intensity of its own shipping fleet by 25% by 2030.

WinGD vice president, market development, Benny Hilström said, “Trafigura selected our technology based on our demonstration of X-DF-A’s development and strong performance indicators to date. With the first X-DF-A engine deliveries due in mid-2025, we will already have gathered significant construction and commissioning experience by the time these engines are delivered.”

In full-load running with 5% pilot fuel on its testbed X-DF-A engine, WinGD has achieved thermal efficiency results like diesel engines with significantly lower NOx, ammonia emissions at less than 10 parts per million and nitrous oxide emissions less than 3 ppm.

When using ammonia as fuel, safety will be critical. Alfa Laval will deliver marine boiler systems designed to function as an ammonia release mitigation system (ARMS) for the safe incineration of ammonia waste. The system will be installed on four MGCs designed to transport LPG and ammonia.

“Alfa Laval’s innovative boiler technology, designed to operate as ARMS, tackles one of the critical technical hurdles impeding the wider adoption of ammonia, while prioritising the safety of the environment and crew,” said Trafigura global head of shipping, Andrea Olivi. “Trafigura is pleased to be working with companies like Alfa Laval that are developing solutions to decarbonise the maritime industry."

This boiler technology will not just generate steam but also efficiently incinerate gaseous ammonia and ammonia-nitrogen mixtures produced by ammonia dual-fuel engines, fuel supply systems and other equipment on board. This multi-functionality allows shipowners to reduce costs and save valuable space by minimising the need for additional equipment while effectively managing waste and byproducts.

“The first commercial deployment of the ammonia-incinerating boiler system will serve as a model for future vessels, demonstrating ammonia can be used safely while optimising vessel design and operational efficiency,” said HD Hyundai Mipo Initial Design Division and Detailed Design Division head, Dong-jin Lee.

Lloyd’s Register worked in a joint development project designing ammonia dual-fuel systems on Trafigura’s MGCs, completing an extensive design evaluation and safety assessment to approve the designs in line with its rules and international regulations.

The two-stroke ammonia dual-fuel engines for Trafigura’s MGCs will be delivered to the South Korean shipbuilder between early 2027 to early 2028.