WinGD secures world's first orders for ethanol ship engines

Swiss engine maker Winterthur Gas and Diesel (WinGD) will deliver the world's first ethanol-capable two-stroke engines for ocean-going vessels.

IMAGE: Illustration of the ethanol-capable vessel. China Ship Design & Research Center

The engines will power two 325,000 dwt Guaibamax ore carriers being built by Beihai Shipbuilding in China for Shandong Shipping, which will operate them under 25-year charters to Brazilian mining group Vale.

The engine deliveries are scheduled for early 2029.

The engines will be adapted from WinGD's methanol variant - with adjustments to fuel supply and injection pressure to compensate for ethanol's lower energy density.

Beyond that difference, these two fuels otherwise share similar properties and combustion characteristics.

More engine deliveries are covered in the contract, in case more vessels are ordered.

By Nachiket Tekawade

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