Alfa Laval has taken a major step in advancing ammonia-powered shipping by securing its first contract for the ammonia fuel supply system, FCM Ammonia. The system will be installed on seven LPG/ammonia carriers for Tianjin Southwest Maritime (TSM), with shipbuilding at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in China.
The installation will begin with three 25,000-cubic-meter vessels, followed by four 41,000-cubic-meter vessels. “Through research, product development, and strategic partnerships, we are building the solutions needed for a safe and efficient transition to low-carbon alternative fuels,” said Peter Sahlen, Head of Marine Separation, Fuel Supply System & Heat Transfer at Alfa Laval.
The contract follows extensive testing with Swiss engine designer WinGD at its Engine & Research Innovation Center (ERIC) in Winterthur, Switzerland. The testing, which began in December 2024, focused on validating key components of the vent treatment system and ensuring optimal performance at varying engine loads.
Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research & Development at WinGD, emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing ammonia-powered shipping closer to reality. “Our partnership with Alfa Laval and joint R&D efforts highlight our commitment to the clean energy transition for a sustainable shipping future,” he stated.
Additionally, Alfa Laval’s involvement in the ammonia dual-fuel MR1 tanker project, in collaboration with K Shipbuilding and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), further reinforces its expertise in fuel system innovation. The first FCM Ammonia unit for TSM is set for delivery by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the industry’s shift towards ammonia as a viable marine fuel.
