World’s first ethanol-capable engine passes R&D testing for very large ore carrier

Everllence has announced that the world’s first Everllence B&W G80 ethanol capable engine has been tested and verified at an R&D test at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine and Machinery division in Korea.

The engine is bound for the third in a series of 10 Very Large Ore Carriers ordered by Shandong Shipping for chartering to Brazilian mining and logistics operator Vale, with vessel delivery set for early 2027.

Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at Everllence, said this marks a major milestone for the G80 engine platform, transforming it into a fully flexible tri-fuel engine capable of operating on fuel oil, methanol, ethanol, or any blend of the latter two. He said the project reflects the shared commitment with Vale regarding pragmatic and scalable decarbonisation pathways within the hard-to-abate shipping sector, and positions Vale at the forefront of maritime sustainability. By selecting the G80 tri-fuel engine, he added, Vale is advancing its strategy to reduce emissions across its maritime logistics chain while maintaining operational robustness in what are currently demanding conditions for low-carbon fuels.

The announcement stems from a cooperation agreement signed by Everllence and Vale in February 2026 regarding the development of an advanced, ethanol-powered engine based on the well-proven Everllence B&W ME-LGIM (Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) platform.

Christian Ludwig, Vice President, Head of Global Sales & Promotion, Two-Stroke Business at Everllence, said the G80 ethanol engine is based on the proven B&W ME-LGIM platform and represents the latest evolution of Everllence’s two-stroke dual-fuel engines, designed to enable shipowners to transition seamlessly towards lower-emission fuels without compromising operational efficiency, reliability or safety. He said interest in ethanol as a marine fuel has increased over the past five years as multi-fuel capability increases shipowner flexibility, and that the company foresees core demand for this engine coming from bulk carriers, tankers and container vessels. With over 250 methanol engine orders already secured, of which more than 100 are in service, Ludwig said Everllence remains the leading provider in this segment.

The ethanol project adds another fuel option to Everllence’s two-stroke engine portfolio, which already covers methane, methanol, ammonia, ethane and LPG.