Ammonia-Fueled Vessels Move from Concept to Reality: First Engines Installed
WinGD and EXMAR achieved a milestone in July 2025 with the first ammonia-fueled two-stroke engine installation. First newbuilds expected to enter operation in 2026, with 39 vessels on order.
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What Happened
Ammonia as a marine fuel reached a critical milestone with the first engine installations, moving the technology from concept to operational reality.
Key developments:
- July 2025: WinGD and EXMAR installed first ammonia-fueled two-stroke engine on LPG carrier
- Late 2025/2026: First ammonia-capable newbuilds expected to begin operations
- Orderbook: 39 ammonia-capable ships on order (as of late 2025)
- 2024: Orders for ammonia-fueled vessels more than doubled
Regulatory progress:
- IMO finalizing interim safety guidelines for ammonia-fueled ships
- IGC Code amendments for ammonia as fuel expected to enter force by July 2026
Comparison with other alternative fuels:
- Methanol: 450+ vessels in operation or on order
- LNG: 16 of 20 January 2026 alternative-fueled orders
- Hydrogen: 12 new orders in 2024 (primarily short-sea)
Key developments:
- July 2025: WinGD and EXMAR installed first ammonia-fueled two-stroke engine on LPG carrier
- Late 2025/2026: First ammonia-capable newbuilds expected to begin operations
- Orderbook: 39 ammonia-capable ships on order (as of late 2025)
- 2024: Orders for ammonia-fueled vessels more than doubled
Regulatory progress:
- IMO finalizing interim safety guidelines for ammonia-fueled ships
- IGC Code amendments for ammonia as fuel expected to enter force by July 2026
Comparison with other alternative fuels:
- Methanol: 450+ vessels in operation or on order
- LNG: 16 of 20 January 2026 alternative-fueled orders
- Hydrogen: 12 new orders in 2024 (primarily short-sea)
Why It Matters
Ammonia offers a pathway to near-zero well-to-wake emissions when produced from renewable energy (green ammonia). Its carbon-free molecular structure makes it attractive for deep-sea shipping where battery solutions are impractical.
However, significant challenges remain. Ammonia's high toxicity requires robust safety protocols and specialized crew training. Engine technology must prevent ammonia slip, which creates both safety and pollution concerns.
The bunkering infrastructure gap is substantial—while methanol is available at 20+ ports for marine bunkering, ammonia infrastructure is virtually non-existent and will require years to develop.
However, significant challenges remain. Ammonia's high toxicity requires robust safety protocols and specialized crew training. Engine technology must prevent ammonia slip, which creates both safety and pollution concerns.
The bunkering infrastructure gap is substantial—while methanol is available at 20+ ports for marine bunkering, ammonia infrastructure is virtually non-existent and will require years to develop.
What It Affects
Operations: Ships ordering ammonia capability today are betting on infrastructure availability by delivery.
Costs: Green ammonia costs remain prohibitive; gray ammonia offers limited emissions benefits.
Risk: Safety systems and crew competence are critical given ammonia toxicity.
Timelines: Infrastructure buildout will determine commercial viability timing.
Costs: Green ammonia costs remain prohibitive; gray ammonia offers limited emissions benefits.
Risk: Safety systems and crew competence are critical given ammonia toxicity.
Timelines: Infrastructure buildout will determine commercial viability timing.
What to Watch Next
- Operational performance of first ammonia-fueled vessels
- Green ammonia production project announcements and timelines
- Bunkering infrastructure development in major ports
- IMO safety regulation finalization
- Green ammonia production project announcements and timelines
- Bunkering infrastructure development in major ports
- IMO safety regulation finalization