Rendering of the new 325,000 DWT Newcastlemax ore carrier design that will feature the world\u2019s first ethanol-fuelled WinGD two-stroke marine engines under long-term charter to Vale. Image credit: CSDC (China Ship Design & Research Center Co,.Ltd.<\/p>\n
WinGD Lands World-First Ethanol Engine Order for Vale Ore Carriers<\/p>\n
Swiss engine designer\u00a0WinGD\u00a0has secured the maritime industry\u2019s first confirmed order for ethanol-fuelled two-stroke engines powering ocean-going bulk carriers, marking another major milestone in shipping\u2019s race toward alternative fuels.<\/p>\n
The company announced Tuesday that two 325,000 DWT Newcastlemax ore carriers being built for\u00a0Shandong Shipping Corporation\u00a0will each be fitted with six-cylinder 6X82DF-M\/E dual-fuel engines designed to operate primarily on ethanol. The vessels are being constructed in China at\u00a0Beihai Shipbuilding\u00a0and will operate under long-term charter to Brazilian mining giant\u00a0Vale.<\/p>\n
The order represents the first commercial application of WinGD\u2019s X-DF-M\/E platform optimized specifically for ethanol fuel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese first ethanol-fuelled X-DF-M\/E engines build on more than a decade of intensive investigation into alcohol fuels including ethanol and methanol,\u201d said Volkmar Galke, Executive Director of Sales at WinGD. \u201cThis is a clear signal that the shipboard technology and fuel infrastructure around ethanol as a marine fuel are ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
WinGD Unveils First Ethanol-Fueled Two-Stroke Marine Engine<\/p>\n
The engines are based on WinGD\u2019s existing methanol-fuelled X-DF-M design already entering commercial service, but modified to account for ethanol\u2019s lower energy density. The fuel injection system and supply pressure will be adjusted while maintaining largely similar combustion characteristics between the two alcohol-based fuels.<\/p>\n
Ethanol has emerged as a potentially attractive marine fuel because of its broad availability, particularly in Brazil, where the new vessels will load iron ore cargoes bound for China. According to Vale, lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by roughly 90% compared to conventional heavy fuel oil depending on fuel sourcing assumptions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe adoption of ethanol as an alternative fuel is part of Vale\u2019s strategy to combine flexibility and efficiency in the ships that transport our ore,\u201d said Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale\u2019s Director of Shipping. \u201cWe are pleased to partner with Shandong and WinGD on the world\u2019s first newbuilding order for ethanol-fueled ocean-going vessels.\u201d<\/p>\n
The deal further expands WinGD\u2019s rapidly growing alternative-fuel portfolio as shipowners weigh future compliance pathways ahead of tightening emissions regulations. The company now offers ammonia-capable X-DF-A engines, LNG-fuelled X-DF-HP systems, methanol-fuelled X-DF-M engines, and now ethanol-capable X-DF-M\/E variants based on a common two-stroke engine platform.<\/p>\n
The announcement builds on a string of recent milestones for WinGD. In 2025, the company delivered the<\/p>\n
world\u2019s largest methanol-fuelled marine engine<\/p>\n
and separately completed installation of the first commercial<\/p>\n
ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engine<\/p>\n
aboard an LPG\/ammonia carrier.<\/p>\n
The ethanol-fuelled engines are scheduled for delivery in early 2029, with additional options included should the vessel series expand.<\/p>\n