WinGD secures first ethanol-fuelled engine orders for ocean-going ships

WinGD has secured the world’s first orders for ethanol-fuelled engines designed for ocean-going vessels.

The engines will power two Newcastlemax ore carriers ordered by Shandong Shipping Corporation and chartered long-term to Vale.

The 325,000 DWT vessels will be built by Beihai Shipbuilding in China.

Each vessel will be equipped with a six-cylinder 6X82DF-M/E engine designed to operate primarily on ethanol fuel.

WinGD said the engines are based on its methanol-fuelled engine platform already in service. The company modified the fuel supply and injection system to match ethanol’s different energy density.

The contract also includes options for additional engine deliveries if the vessel series expands.

“These first ethanol-fuelled X-DF-M/E engines build on more than a decade of intensive investigation into alcohol fuels,” said Volkmar Galke, Executive Director Sales at WinGD.

“This is a clear signal that the shipboard technology and fuel infrastructure around ethanol as a marine fuel are ready.”

Ethanol is attracting growing interest as a marine fuel due to its wide availability and competitive pricing in several markets, including Brazil.

According to Vale, ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 90% compared to heavy fuel oil, depending on lifecycle assumptions.

“The adoption of ethanol as an alternative fuel is part of Vale’s strategy to combine flexibility and efficiency,” said Rodrigo Bermelho, Director of Shipping at Vale.

WinGD said the new ethanol-fuel capability further expands fuel flexibility across its two-stroke engine portfolio, which already includes ammonia- and LNG-fuelled platforms.

Engine deliveries are scheduled for early 2029.

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