New marine engine collaboration, safety systems and key AiPs awarded

By Julian Atchison on June 14, 2023

WinGD, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding join forces

The X92DF engine, one of a series of dual fuel engines WinGD is developing. A new MoU with Mitsubishi will see the pair deploy ammonia-fueled X-DF engines of various models on new vessel designs. Source: WinGD.
Click to learn more. The X92DF engine, one of a series of dual fuel engines WinGD is developing. A new MoU with Mitsubishi will see the pair deploy ammonia-fueled X-DF engines of various models on new vessel designs. Source: WinGD.

A new MoU between the pair will see WinGD deploying its X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engines to a range of vessels, with Mitsubishi responsible for both vessel design and supplying the ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS). Last week we reported that Mitsubishi is moving to the final stages of verification testing for its own AFSS design in Japan. WinGD will develop X-DF-A engines at various bore sizes, and provide Mitsubishi with the specifications for installing the engines (plus the requirements for any auxiliary fuel systems needed). The partnership will commence later this year, and is aiming to deliver the first vessels by 2027. WinGD is aiming to have the X-DF-A engine lines commercially available for new build vessels by 2025.

This collaboration will give both Mitsubishi and WinGD an important first-mover advantage in using ammonia in marine engines to meet IMO decarbonisation targets. It will set the path for the new generation of technology applicable to a wide range of vessels over the next decades.

Manabu Kawakado, Head of Marine Engineering Centre, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding in WinGD’s official press release, 5 June 2023

The Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System

The WARMS system undergoing ammonia combustion tests at Wärtsilä’s Moss facility in Norway. Source: Wärtsilä.
Click to learn more. The WARMS system undergoing ammonia combustion tests at Wärtsilä’s Moss facility in Norway. Source: Wärtsilä.

Wärtsilä has unveiled its latest proprietary technology: a system designed for accurate and continuous monitoring of ammonia leaks onboard an ammonia-fueled vessel. WARMS features a staged and controlled combustion process to mitigate leaks, avoiding the need for venting pure ammonia to the atmosphere, or collecting and diluting before disposal. Wärtsilä reports emissions from the system are nitrogen and water, with ammonia slip <30 ppm (actual slip was 0 ppm in most testing cases). DNV has awarded AiP to the system for use onboard vessels using gaseous ammonia fuel, or onboard ammonia-fueled gas tankers with the DNV Class notation GF NH3.

NoGAPs, Viridis Bulk Carriers win AiP

And, speaking of AiPs awarded by DNV, two significant ammonia-fueled vessel designs have been given the tick of approval this week at the Nor-Shipping conference. Following extensive technical feasibility studies that were released in April this year, the MS NoGAPs vessel has received Approval in Principle from DNV. Design work will continue.

And Viridis Bulk Carriers has received a second AiP for its ammonia-fueled, short sea bulk carrier design. Following on from Bureau Veritas’ award in March this year, the vessel design has been found to meet all requirements for DNV’s revised Gas Fuelled Ammonia class notation.

Considering the heightened emission reduction targets set by the EU and IMO, our Viridis vessels will fully adhere to these standards. This will empower charterers to benefit from exceptional greenhouse gas reductions throughout their logistical value chain.

André Risholm, Board Member of Viridis Bulk Carriers in DNV’s official press release, 8 June 2023