Posted on February 26, 2024
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has concluded the fundamental design for an ammonia fuel supply system tailored for the X-DF-A engine, a large-scale, low-speed two-stroke marine engine propelled by ammonia, presently in the developmental phase by WinGD, a Swiss firm specializing in the design and licensing of large marine engines. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will persist in conducting technical assessments in collaboration with WinGD, with the ultimate goal of commercializing the system.
In June 2023, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to undertake technical evaluations concerning an ammonia fuel supply system, with the aim of contributing to the realization of a novel target established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the maritime sector by approximately 2050. The joint technical assessments carried out by both entities culminated in the finalization of a fundamental design for an ammonia fuel supply system tailored for engines currently under development by WinGD.
Ammonia has garnered significant attention as a potential fuel due to its lack of CO2 emissions upon combustion, presenting a promising avenue for substantially reducing GHG emissions within the maritime domain. It is foreseen as a future source of reliable, eco-friendly energy. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is actively engaged in the development of marine ammonia handling systems, encompassing fuel supply systems and ammonia gas abatement systems tailored for a diverse array of ammonia fuel combustion systems, including the X-DF-A engine. Furthermore, by proposing vessels powered by ammonia in conjunction with designing and engineering onboard installations comprising multiple ammonia-fueled combustion systems such as primary engines, power generation engines, and boilers, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is spearheading the drive towards decarbonization within the maritime sector. This initiative seeks to realize a carbon-neutral society and significantly reduce environmental impacts on a global scale.
The collaboration between Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD has made notable progress in a relatively short timeframe, underscoring their commitment to advancing clean-fuel technology. The completion of the initial Ammonia Fuel Supply System (AFSS) design at this juncture positions them favorably to provide a comprehensive fuel system to ship operators, responding to the burgeoning demand for carbon-free ammonia fuel in the coming years.
Presently, WinGD’s primary focus is on advancing the technology behind their clean-fuel solutions, including their ammonia-powered X-DF-A engines, with initial deliveries anticipated in the second quarter of 2025. This collaboration ensures the availability of auxiliary systems and integration capabilities necessary for the application of their engine designs. The development of the fuel supply system concept represents a pivotal step in introducing ammonia fuel capabilities to the marine market.
