WinGD and AET join forces for ammonia engines

The Winterthur-based marine engine developer WinGD has agreed to partner with the ship owner and operator AET and maritime training center Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM). Both entities are part of the MISC Group, which is based in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. According to a press release, the partners intend to work towards the potential introduction of X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engines on ships. These vessels would be among the world’s first ammonia dual-fueled and emissions-free tankers.

WinGD will be tasked with developing a training plan for the crew and supporting its implementation. The aim of this measure is to prepare some of the first sailors in the world to be able to handle the new fuel and engines with confidence. The agreement also provides for ALAM to train its seafarers and supervisors on the operation, maintenance, monitoring, repair and health and safety procedures specific to the new engines.

“As well as preparing our engines for integration within a key vessel type, the training developed under this project will also feed into the knowledge pool needed for operators and their crews to confidently, safely and efficiently operate these new ammonia-fueled vessels”, explains Rudolph Holtbecker, Director Operations WinGD, in the press release.

The first engines for Suezmax and Aframax tankers are set to be put into service from 2025 onwards. “The outcomes of this collaboration will support AET and MISC Group to deliver on our commitment to deliver more energy with lower emissions”, comments Zahid Osman, President & CEO of AET. ce/ko