World News
WinGD Wins First Ethanol-Fuelled Engine Orders for Deep-Sea Ships
Swiss engine manufacturer WinGD has won the world's first orders for its dual-fuel ethanol engines for use on ocean-going vessels.
The engines will power two 325,000 DWT Newcastlemax ore carriers being built at Beihai Shipbuilding for Shandong Shipping Corporation, WinGD said in an email statement on Tuesday.
The ships will operate under long-term charters for Brazilian mining company Vale.
Each vessel will be fitted with a six-cylinder dual-fuel engine designed to run primarily on ethanol fuel.
WinGD said the platform is based on its methanol engine design already in service, with modifications to fuel supply and injection systems to suit ethanol.
Ethanol is emerging as a potential marine fuel because of its availability and lower lifecycle emissions.
Vale said studies indicate ethanol could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 90% compared with heavy fuel oil, depending on the fuel source.
Engine deliveries are scheduled for early 2029.
"The adoption of ethanol as an alternative fuel is part of Vale's strategy to combine flexibility and efficiency in the ships that transport our ore and places the company in a unique position for the energy transition in global shipping over the coming decades, whilst driving similar initiatives in the sector," Rodrigo Bermelho, director of shipping at Vale, said.
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