China shipyard to build ‘world-first’ ethanol-powered bulk carriers

It will be built at the Beihai shipyard for Shandong Shipping Corp.

China will host the world-first newbuilding order for ethanol-fuelled ocean-going vessels after orders were placed for two Newcastlemax vessels to be built at Beihai Shipbuilding for Shandong Shipping Corporation.

Shandong Shipping will own and operate the vessels under long-term charters for Brazil-based mining company Vale, transporting iron ore between Brazil and China, with potential additional engines if the vessel series expands.

WinGD said in a press release that the 325,000 deadweight tonne ore carriers will be fitted with its six-cylinder 6X82DF-M/E engines, configured to run primarily on ethanol fuel.

It has adapted its X-DF-M/E engine platform for ethanol use by modifying fuel supply and injection pressure to account for differences in energy density between ethanol and methanol, adding that the engine design builds on its existing methanol-fuelled concept.

The ethanol-fuelled configuration forms part of WinGD’s broader X-DF engine family, which includes variants designed for methanol, liquefied natural gas, and ammonia fuels.

WinGD added the platforms share a common engine architecture and injection concept.

Vale said it expects ethanol use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 90% compared with heavy fuel oil, depending on fuel type and lifecycle assumptions.

The company said ethanol use supports its shipping decarbonisation strategy and transport requirements.

WinGD said delivery of the engines is scheduled for early 2029, subject to shipyard requirements.