Alfa Laval Secures First Contract for Ammonia Fuel Supply System

Alfa Laval, a leading provider of heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling solutions, has secured its first contract for ammonia fuel supply systems. This groundbreaking development marks a significant step forward in the company's commitment to decarbonization and sustainable shipping. The contract, signed with WinGD, involves the delivery of two fuel supply systems for testing WinGD’s ammonia-fuelled engine in early 2024. This partnership is part of a broader industry effort to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner fuels.



The adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel is gaining momentum as the shipping industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint. Ammonia, with its zero-carbon emissions, is seen as a key fuel in the industry's efforts to decarbonize. Alfa Laval's expertise in fuel supply technology and experience with a wide range of fuels make it a valuable partner in this transition. The company's role in this project includes investigating and developing a mitigation system to secure safe handling of ammonia, which is crucial for the safe and efficient use of ammonia as a fuel.

The partnership between Alfa Laval and WinGD is expected to accelerate the development and adoption of ammonia-fuelled engines. The project aims to develop a testing environment to help both companies carry out development activities of the engine and equipment associated with it. This collaboration is part of a broader effort by Alfa Laval to support the marine industry’s transition to cleaner fuels. The company is actively engaged in leading industry initiatives towards zero-emission shipping and has made significant progress in developing technology for using ammonia as fuel.

While the adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel presents several challenges, including its low flash point, high toxicity, and low calorific value, Alfa Laval is addressing these through its technological innovations. The company is developing a steam boiler technology that can offer a comprehensive solution to the challenges of using ammonia as a marine fuel. The Alfa Laval Aalborg ammonia dual-fuel boiler system can be a cost-effective, multi-purpose system for ammonia-capable ships. This system can meet the ship's heat demand through steam generation, safely handle boil-off ammonia evaporation, and effectively remove ammonia vapor in the purge/vent stream, without adding bulky equipment.

Additionally, Alfa Laval has developed the FCM Ammonia fuel supply system, which includes a fuel supply system (FSS) as the primary solution for feeding the fuel to the engine. This base system is integrated with a fuel valve train (FVT) for isolating the engine from upstream systems and a vent treatment system (VTS) for ensuring a controlled vent release into the atmosphere. The dedicated automation system of FCM Ammonia regulates all critical functions of FSS, FVT, and VTS, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

The partnership between Alfa Laval and WinGD is a significant step towards achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 strategy for reducing carbon emissions in the marine industry. As the industry transitions to cleaner fuels, partnerships like this one will be crucial in developing the technologies needed for a safe and efficient transition to alternative fuels. Alfa Laval's commitment to innovation and collaboration is a testament to its leadership in the industry and its dedication to a sustainable future.