Swiss engine designer WinGD, Swedish marine technology company Alfa Laval, and classification society ABS have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding (KSB) to work on the development of an ammonia-fueled medium range (MR) tanker design.
Under the MoU signed in April, WinGD will work with KSB to deliver fuel gas system specifications suitable for the vessel application and the 6X52DF‑A engine from WinGD to be featured in the vessel’s design.
Alfa Laval will deliver the detailed documentation for the final fuel gas system design while ABS will review the design, with the aim to issue an approval in principle.
According to WinGD, the X52DF‑A engine is the smallest bore size available in the company’s ammonia-fueled X‑DF‑A series, and the first to be developed. It is expected to have wide application across bulk carriers, tankers, and ammonia carriers, and has already been ordered for two ammonia carriers to be delivered in early 2026.
The X52DF‑A is also the engine design for which four class societies to date, including ABS and Bureau Veritas, have issued approvals in principle for the X‑DF‑A series, assuring shipowners that the engine can be deployed in operation safely.
WinGD Vice President R&D, Sebastian Hensel said: “After early orders for bulk carriers and ammonia carriers, it is encouraging to see that ammonia-fuelled tanker projects are picking up momentum. And even more encouraging that our X‑DF‑A engines are at the heart of many of these projects. Developing full vessel designs that shipowners can adopt easily will only accelerate the transition and we are pleased to be part of the collaboration with KSB in delivering this design.”
Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems at Alfa Laval, Viktor Friberg, added: “This MOU signifies a powerful step forward to make ammonia a viable marine fuel. Our proven expertise in handling diverse fuel types, especially methanol and LPG, will be instrumental in designing the new fuel supply system for ammonia. We believe that partnerships are key for the maritime industry to achieve the ambitious decarbonization targets and support the fuel transition. By working alongside WinGD, ABS and K Shipbuilding, we accelerate this transition and make it safer.”
