At WinGD, we strongly support the report's findings that these transformative marine fuels have successfully transitioned from theoretical solutions to practical reality, with methanol ready for low-carbon operation and ammonia ready for piloting. Indeed, in July WinGD became the first engine designer to bring an ammonia-fuelled two-stroke marine engine to market following the delivery and installation of the X52DF-A engine on a 46,000m3 LPG/ammonia carrier being built for EXMAR. The vessel will be the first ammonia-fuelled gas carrier in service, pioneering this alternative fuel’s commercial operation.
That means the technology is ready
This progress validates our strategic investments in dual-fuel engine technology. Our XDFM methanol engines are already powering vessels within the global fleet of more than 60 methanol-capable vessels currently in operation. Riviera Maritime Media reports that there are 300 more vessels on order and bunkering infrastructure available at approximately 20 ports worldwide. Meanwhile, testing on our ammonia engines confirms the potential to cut tank-to-wake emissions by up to 95% — a performance milestone would demonstrate ammonia's viability as a ZNZ marine fuel.
The report's findings on operational experience align perfectly with our customer feedback: early adopters find methanol "relatively safe and straightforward to integrate," with retrofit conversions also proving feasible. However, as the report correctly identifies, technology readiness alone is insufficient to achieve the scale required by 2030.
Now we need regulatory signals that match our ambition and timeline.
Time is of the essence for regulatory clarity
We echo the report's call for immediate action from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and policymakers. The current regulatory uncertainty creates a dangerous investment pause. While our customers express strong interest in sustainable fuels, they require clear financial incentives to justify the premium costs of green methanol and ammonia over traditional fuels.
The IMO's Net Zero Framework represents progress, but critical details—such as the reward for using ZNZ fuels—are expected to remain undefined until March 2027, just nine months before implementation. This timeline is inadequate for the complex supply chain development needed for alternative fuels. Energy producers require sufficient lead time to scale green fuel production, and shipowners need certainty to make long-term investment decisions.
Using real-world data to deliver real-world decarbonisation
The report's recommendation for independent studies to verify real-world emissions performance from early ammonia vessels is particularly vital. As operators report confidence in safely operating ammonia-powered vessels and plan to phase in the fuel over time to build operational experience, rigorous emissions verification becomes critical to validate the technology's environmental credentials.
At WinGD, we've consistently advocated for measurement-based emissions verification rather than relying on outdated default factors. For example, our most recent testing demonstrates that current LNG engine technology has reduced methane slip by -up to 70% compared to decade-old baseline assumptions still used in regulations. With ammonia engines now completing testing phases and bunkering trials underway, real-world emissions measurement will be essential to demonstrate the full 95% reduction potential in commercial operations.
For genuine decarbonisation, we must move beyond calculations to actual performance measurements. This approach will reward genuine innovation while preventing greenwashing — ensuring that solutions with lower total GHG emissions and fuel consumption receive appropriate recognition.
Fuel and engine technology are progressing at a remarkable pace
The pathway to net-zero shipping is clear, but success demands immediate action: accelerated IMO decision-making, enhanced supply chain development for ZNZ fuel availability and robust GHG emissions verification frameworks.
With these foundational technologies already proving value for total cost of ownership and early commercial adoption underway, the maritime industry stands ready to deliver on its climate commitments.
