Swiss marine engine manufacturer WinGD has reached a notable milestone in its ammonia propulsion programme, with its orderbook for ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engines now exceeding 30 units — a development accompanied by the successful completion of another factory acceptance test (FAT), according to Ship & Bunker.
The FAT was carried out in April 2026 at China-based engine builder Yuchai Marine Power and was conducted under the supervision of China Classification Society, as WinGD confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
Powering a New Class of Gas Carriers
The engine that underwent testing is designated to power the lead vessel in a four-ship series of 25,000 m³ LPG/ammonia carriers. The vessels are being constructed by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited for Tianjin Southwest Maritime.
According to WinGD, the testing process demonstrated stable engine performance alongside favourable emissions outcomes. The company highlighted significantly lower NOx emissions during ammonia operation, as well as minimal N2O emissions — both of which are key considerations for regulatory compliance under evolving maritime environmental standards.
A Broadening Market Footprint
WinGD reported that its ammonia engine orders now span a range of vessel types, including gas carriers, bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships. This breadth of application signals growing commercial interest across shipping segments, rather than adoption being limited to a single niche sector.
Does This Matter to You?
For vessel operators, shipowners, charterers, and those active in the alternative fuels space, WinGD’s expanding ammonia engine orderbook is a relevant indicator of where parts of the industry are placing long-term bets on decarbonisation technology.
Ship & Bunker notes that ammonia is increasingly viewed as a promising low-carbon marine fuel, but its wider adoption remains constrained by several practical barriers — including limited fuel availability, safety and toxicity concerns, and the absence of widespread bunkering infrastructure. For bunkering professionals and port operators in particular, the growth in ammonia-capable vessels raises questions about future infrastructure investment and supply chain readiness.
For those involved in newbuilding decisions or long-term fleet planning, the expansion of WinGD’s orderbook to more than 30 units suggests that ammonia propulsion is moving beyond the pilot stage — though the infrastructure challenges outlined by Ship & Bunker remain significant hurdles for commercial deployment at scale.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
