Joining forces to develop ethanol power

Under the agreement, the companies will develop an advanced ethanol-powered engine based on Everllence’s B&W ME-LGI (liquid gas injection) platform.

The new concept is intended to offer a commercially viable and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional fossil-fuel engines.

“This agreement represents a milestone for the decarbonisation journey of large-scale shipping, leveraging ethanol as a commercially scalable, globally significant pathway,” commented Christian Ludwig, vice president and head of global sales & promotion, Two-Stroke Business at Everllence.

Ethanol offers several advantages as a marine fuel. It can be life-cycle neutral depending on feedstock, contains no sulphur, has very low toxicity and is biodegradable and water-soluble.

As it remains liquid at ambient temperatures and pressures, it can be handled using standardised bunkering and onboard procedures, simplifying operations compared with some alternative fuels.

READ MORE: Everllence demonstrates ethanol engine viability

“With multiple dual-fuel technologies already in service and an ammonia-powered engine close to commercial maturity, our position in the two-stroke segment is secure,” added Ole Pyndt Hansen, senior vice president and head of Two-Stroke R&D at Everllence.

“As our attention turns to ethanol, recent engine testing in Japan has reinforced our confidence in ethanol-based solutions.”

The partners said the agreement builds on a longstanding strategic relationship and will support Vale’s newbuilding expansion with scalable, future-proof propulsion technologies.