Mitsubishi Shipbuilding gets approval for ammonia fuel supply system

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has received approval in principle (AiP) from the Japanese classification society ClassNK for an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) for the X-DF-A engine, it announced on April 11.

The X-DF-A engine is a large, low-speed 2-stroke ammonia-fuelled engine being developed by Swiss WinGD. The AFSS was developed as a result of joint technical studies undertaken by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and WinGD. The two companies concluded a memorandum of understanding in June 2023 to undertake joint technical studies on an AFSS, which resulted in the finalisation of the basic design in February 2024.

The approval in principle was acquired together with approval of a new ammonia gas abatement system (AGAS). The technical studies will now go forward with WinGD toward commercialisation, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding said.

Ammonia is a fuel that emits no CO2 when combusted, making it an attractive prospect for reducing GHG emissions in the maritime industry. It is expected to be utilised in the future as a source of stable, clean energy.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding said it is committed to conducting further technical studies with WinGD to facilitate the commercialisation of the ammonia fuel supply system.