Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, said that it has agreed to conduct technical studies on an ammonia fuel supply system for large, low-speed, two-stroke marine engines. These engines are currently being developed by Swiss firm Winterthur Gas & Diesel AG (WinGD), a leader in the design of large marine engines.
The agreement was formalized during a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held at WinGD’s Swiss headquarters on June 2, 2023.
The partnership underscores the commitment of both companies to help realize the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization targets in the maritime industry’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. WinGD is developing the ammonia-fueled marine engines, named type “X-DF-A.” With the new MOU, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will now work with WinGD to explore technologies for developing and commercializing an ammonia fuel supply system for these engines.
Ammonia, a compound that emits no CO2 when burned, has been gaining attention as a fuel that could substantially reduce GHG emissions in the maritime industry. It is widely expected to be used as a reliable, clean energy source in the future.
Moving forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will apply its long-standing expertise in ammonia handling and transportation technologies to the joint project, in line with MHI Group’s strategy of advancing the energy transition. As a marine system integrator, the company aims to promote the decarbonization of the maritime industry and work toward a low-carbon society, significantly reducing environmental impact on a global scale.