Alternative Fuels

Study shows green ammonia could achieve cost parity with VLSFO and LNG bunker fuels

WinGD and Envision study reveal that under moderate global regulations, green ammonia could achieve cost parity with VLSFO and LNG at current prices, even before additional subsidies or rewards.

Published

5 months ago

March 23, 2026

Admin

Study shows green ammonia could achieve cost parity with VLSFO and LNG

Swiss marine engine developer WinGD and green technology company Envision on Thursday (19 March) have released a study analysing the operational costs of ships powered by renewable fuels.

The findings reveal that under moderate global regulations, green ammonia could achieve cost parity with VLSFO and LNG at current prices, even before additional subsidies or rewards associated with zero-emission fuels.

The study, an operating expenses illustration of green-fuelled vessels on the container and bulk trades between China and Australia, uses verified lifecycle emissions factors and current estimated bunkering pricing along the coast of China. By 2050, green ammonia is projected to outperform LNG on a cost basis, with a predicted 5-6% lower lifecycle operating cost.

Envision Energy Senior Vice President Frank Yu, said: “Through this joint study with WinGD, we have mapped a clear economic pathway for renewable fuels. By leveraging AI-driven optimisation at our Chifeng facility to harmonise renewable energy harvesting with fuel production, we have already reached a tipping point where green ammonia competes with VLSFO and LNG.

“Green ammonia can be fully electrified and using green ammonia as bunkering fuel creates more certainty. As we further scale and refine these intelligent technologies, green ammonia will become the most practical and cost-effective choice for the next generation of shipping. This is the certainty we bring to an uncertain market.”

Fuel consumption, use of consumables for emissions abatement and tank-to-wake emissions are based on real-life performance of engines in WinGD’s existing portfolio: ammonia-fuelled X‑DF‑A, methanol-fuelled X‑DF‑M and LNG-fuelled X‑DF engines. For the vessel cases studied, the illustrations show how VLSFO and LNG are currently the most cost-competitive fuel options, with green ammonia reaching a similar and eventually lower net costs under a global regulatory regime.

“This shows what it means to lead with innovation and collaboration. Using real fuel pricing, engine performance and emissions data, we show how green fuels can become commercially viable options for ship operators. With global policy on pause, now is the time for the industry to show how it can overcome the obstacles to decarbonisation using the fuels and technologies that already exist today,” said Dominik Schneiter, CEO, WinGD.

The study finds that e-LNG and green methanol may have a longer path to viability, requiring the addition of higher rewards under a global regime—although the price evolution will depend on the speed at which producers can increase volumes. Further fuel candidates and power configurations will be modelled by WinGD in future studies.

With the first opex study based on real lifecycle emissions and real engine performance, WinGD and Envision hope to advance industry discussion of the role of ZNZ fuels in shipping’s decarbonisation efforts.

Note: The whitepaper can be read here.

Photo credit: WinGD
Published: 23 March, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres.

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Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Singapore-based shipping firm Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Monday (17 August) said the company has successfully completed its 700th LNG bunkering operation, carried out for vehicle carrier Lake Victoria in Emden, Germany.

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres (m3).

“Reaching 700 LNG bunkering operations reflects not only the scale of our investment in alternative-fuel capabilities, but also the experience, coordination and commitment of our teams at sea and ashore,” EPS said in a social media post.

“As we continue to grow and diversify our fleet, every operation adds to the practical experience needed to support shipping’s energy transition.”

Manifold Times previously reported the company completed a total of 530 LNG bunkering operations with over 2.4 million m3 of LNG bunkered, from the start of recorded data to 31 Dec 2025.

In its 2026 ESG Report, EPS said its fleet is among the largest dual-fuel fleets in the industry, with over 170 vessels designed to operate on alternative fuels.

In 2025, 25% of the fuel consumed by EPS fleet were alternative marine fuels, including LNG, LPG, ethane, and biofuels.

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 18 August, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

“YM Willpower” successfully received around 2,000 mt of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

Published

13 hours ago

August 18, 2026

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Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) on Monday (17 August) said its 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel, YM Willpower, successfully completed its first-ever LNG bunkering operation via SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) at the Port of Shanghai.

Through close collaboration with Shanghai International Port (Group) and SIPG Energy Shanghai, the vessel successfully received around 2,000 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

With LNG dual-fuel technology, the company said it is continuing to expand alternative-fuel bunkering capabilities, enhance operational flexibility and efficiency and advance lower-carbon shipping solutions.

Manifold Times previously reported YM Willpower completing its first bunkering operation in Singapore.

In 2026, Yang Ming will progressively introduce newly built 15,500 TEU class container vessels primarily fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its operating fleet.

The lead vessel, YM Willpower, completed partial LNG bunkering at the shipyard prior to delivery and was officially deployed on 8 February into Yang Ming’s Far East–Mediterranean MD2 service.

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Published: 18 August, 2026

Methanol

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, “Carlotta Cosulich” combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness.

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Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Genoa-based marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Monday (17 August) announced the launch of its new methanol-ready bunker IMO II tanker, Carlotta Cosulich.

The launch of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four sister vessels, took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, bringing together the project team, partners and stakeholders.

Silvia Bordon, General Manager, served as the vessel’s godmother during the ceremony.

“Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, Carlotta Cosulich combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness,” the company said in a statement.

Equipped with a five-tonne cargo crane and dedicated arrangements for Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations further enhances her versatility across a wider range of bunkering operations.

“Following the successful delivery of her two sister vessels, she brings us one step closer to completing this four-vessel programme and reinforces Fratelli Cosulich Group’s commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” the company added.

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 18 August, 2026