WinGD will supply ammonia-fueled X-DF-A engines for four new medium gas carriers ordered by Trafigura and built by HD Hyundai Mipo. The vessels mark a major step in low-emission maritime transport, with engine deliveries scheduled from 2027 to 2028. The engines promise high efficiency and significantly reduced emissions.
Swiss marine engine developer WinGD has secured a significant order to deliver ammonia-fueled engine designs for four new medium gas carriers (MGCs) that will be built by HD Hyundai Mipo for Trafigura, a global leader in commodities trading. Each of the 45,000-cubic-meter-capacity vessels will be equipped with a six-cylinder, 52-bore 6X52DF-A engine. These engines are designed to operate on ammonia and include high-pressure selective catalytic reduction systems to minimize emissions.
This order marks a further step in the maritime sector’s transition toward low-carbon fuel alternatives, with ammonia emerging as a key energy carrier in the global energy landscape. Trafigura’s decision to adopt ammonia-fueled propulsion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to decarbonizing its shipping operations.
Benny Hilström, vice president of market development at WinGD, highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating, “Trafigura selected our technology based on our demonstration of the X-DF-A’s development and strong performance indicators to date. With the first X-DF-A engine deliveries due in mid-2025, we will already have gathered significant construction and commissioning experience by the time these engines are delivered.”
WinGD’s X-DF-A engine is designed specifically for alternative marine fuels such as ammonia. The company recently confirmed that the engine met key combustion and performance benchmarks on a testbed engine, achieving full-load operation using only 5% pilot fuel. Impressively, thermal efficiency matches that of conventional diesel engines, while emissions are significantly lower. Ammonia slip was measured at under 10 parts per million (ppm), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were recorded at less than 3 ppm—well below regulatory thresholds.
The ammonia engines for Trafigura’s newbuilds are scheduled for delivery between early 2027 and early 2028. This order joins a growing list of ammonia-fueled vessel projects that WinGD is involved in, signaling both increased confidence in the company’s ammonia engine technology and growing industry momentum toward zero-carbon shipping solutions.
By integrating cutting-edge technology like the X-DF-A, these vessels are expected to contribute meaningfully to emissions reduction targets across the maritime industry. As the global shipping sector intensifies its push toward decarbonization, strategic collaborations such as the one between WinGD, HD Hyundai Mipo, and Trafigura are playing a critical role in driving forward the use of alternative fuels.
