China: Yuchai Marine Power breaks ground for ammonia-fuelled engine test platform

Yuchai Marine Power Co Ltd on Monday (28 July) held a grand groundbreaking ceremony for its ammonia-fuelled low-speed engine test platform in Zhuhai. 

As the exclusive supplier of the Ammonia Fuel Supply System (AFSS), the core component of the platform, Qingdao-based maritime technology firm Headway Technology Group (Headway) was invited to attend. 

This milestone follows the cooperation agreement signed between the two parties in November 2024 for the AFSS, marking the project’s official transition into the construction phase.

At the ceremony, Yuchai Marine Power’s CEO Xupeng Li, General Manager Hui Deng, and Headway’s Executive President Liu Yudong jointly laid the foundation of the platform. 

Headway will provide a comprehensive Ammonia Fuel Supply System solution for Yuchai Marine Power’s platform. This includes ammonia fuel storage tanks, ammonia supply modules, unloading compressors, fuel feeding pumps, an ammonia vapour processing system, flammable gas detection, and double-walled piping. 

The test platform is compatible with ammonia marine engines from WinGD and Everllence. By adopting an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, Headway will oversee the entire project lifecycle—from engineering design and civil construction to equipment manufacturing and installation—delivering a turn-key solution.

The OceanGuard® Ammonia Fuel Supply System builds on Headway’s technical expertise in methanol, LNG, and LPG fuel supply systems. Featuring a modular design and dual-redundancy safety architecture, the system offers customised solutions tailored to various vessel types.

It is flexible, efficient, and reliable, with a one-key startup and self-diagnostic function. The system incorporates Headway’s independently developed pressure stabilisation technology, ensuring adaptability to sudden load changes in the main engine and maintaining controlled pressure fluctuations under all operating conditions. 

The system has received Approval in Principle (AIP) certificates from CCS, DNV, and RINA and has successfully supported key components for WinGD’s ammonia engines.

In his speech at the ceremony, Liu Yudong, Executive President of Headway, said: “Headway will leverage its extensive expertise in marine alternative fuel technologies and integrate premium resources to advance the project with the highest standards. 

“We are confident in our ability to deliver the project with exceptional quality within the designated timeline, supporting Yuchai Marine Power in maintaining its leadership in green marine power solutions. Together, we aim to drive the large-scale adoption of ammonia fuel in marine propulsion, steering the shipping industry toward a greener, more efficient, and sustainable future.”

Related: China: Headway and Yuchai Marine ink deal on ammonia fuel supply system

Photo credit: Headway Technology Group
Published: 31 July, 2025