19 October 2023
EXMAR Selects Ammonia-Dual Fuel Engines for First Ocean-Going Ammonia Ships
EXMAR LPG, a joint venture between Belgium-based EXMAR and Seapeak, is moving forward with what could be the world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual-fueled ships. The decision to incorporate ammonia propulsion systems to medium-sized tankers on order in South Korea is being hailed as a milestone in the development of next-generation shipping to address the drive for decarbonization.
The companies have given the go-ahead to incorporate WinGD’s X DF-A dual fuel engines into the new builds which were initially ordered in 2022. Lloyd’s Register which is part of the project notes that the engines were the first to achieve class approval in September 2022 for ammonia two-stroke engines. They will be combined with a fuel supply system developed by Wärtsilä Gas Solutions.
The vessels were ordered in 2022 to be built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. Each vessel will be approximately 623 feet in length. They will have a capacity of 45,000 cbm and will be able to transport either ammonia or LPG. The shipyard reports that they are due for delivery by May 2026.