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WinGD to boost engine flexibility with new LPG option

Swiss engine builder, WinGD, has launched a new fuel option for gas carrier owners, providing more flexibility in advance of likely significant growth in ammonia trades.

Sebastian Hensel, WinGD Vice President R&D

WinGD’s LPG ‘pre-fit’ option has been developed for application to the company’s X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines, enabling them to operate on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The first X-DF-P engines, so called because LPG’s main constituent is propane, are likely to become available in 2027.

The engine firm is targeting what is expected to be a significant expansion in ammonia trade by sea. This is partly because ammonia is itself likely to be a significant low-or zero-carbon fuel of the future, but also because the chemical is an efficient and cost-effective way of transporting hydrogen. However, there is still uncertainty on the precise timing of this trade growth.

Therefore, although the X-DF-P engine range is being designed and optimised to run on ammonia, it will operate efficiently on LPG until such time as an owner or operator decides to switch over. Then the engine will only require ‘a minor modification’, WinGD said.    

Sebastian Hensel, WinGD Vice President, R&D, commented: “This development highlights our continuous innovation in support of smarter sustainable ship power solutions. Our X-DF-A ammonia engine is already enjoying wide uptake amongst bulk carriers and gas carriers; the X-DF-P offers a valuable intermediate step for gas carrier operators who are keen to participate in the emerging ammonia trade but are uncertain about the timing and impact on vessel engines and fuels.”

The company’s X-DF-A engines are already proving popular with owners of gas carriers that can carry different gases, very large gas carriers, and dedicated very large ammonia carriers. Its injection system requires only minor alterations to run on LPG and the two fuels operate effectively using similar components, WinGD said. Engine sizes under development are those typically used by trade-relevant vessels, including 52- and 62-bore units.

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