Everllence has completed research and development testing on an ethanol-capable marine engine designed to power a very large ore carrier (VLOC) under construction for Vale, according to Ship & Bunker.
The testing took place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery Division in South Korea, Ship & Bunker reported, citing an emailed statement from the company issued on Wednesday.
Engine Destined for Landmark Vessel
According to Ship & Bunker, the engine will be fitted on the third of ten VLOCs ordered by Shandong Shipping. These vessels are being built for charter to Vale, the Brazilian mining and logistics company. The report states that the vessel carrying this engine is scheduled for delivery in early 2027 and is expected to become the world’s first ethanol-powered VLOC.
Tri-Fuel Flexibility
Ship & Bunker reports that the engine, known as the ME-LGIMe, is designed as a tri-fuel unit. This means it can run on conventional marine fuels, methanol, ethanol, or blends of methanol and ethanol, giving operators flexibility depending on fuel availability and pricing.
The development stems from a cooperation agreement signed between Everllence and Vale in February, according to the report. That agreement set out plans to create an ethanol-powered engine built on Everllence’s existing LGIM platform, which the company describes as proven technology.
Ship & Bunker also notes that Everllence has observed rising interest in ethanol as a marine fuel over the past five years. The company indicated that bulk carriers, tankers, and container vessels are expected to be among the primary markets for this technology going forward.
Does This Matter to You?
This development signals a concrete step toward commercial deployment of ethanol as a marine fuel option, moving beyond pilot discussions into an actual vessel delivery scheduled for 2027. Those tracking alternative fuel adoption in the dry bulk and ore carrier segments may find this relevant, as it demonstrates a major charterer like Vale committing to ethanol-capable tonnage.
Fuel suppliers and bunker traders monitoring the diversification of marine fuel demand could see this as an early indicator of where ethanol bunkering infrastructure might eventually be needed, particularly on routes serving Vale’s ore trades. Engine builders and shipowners evaluating dual- or tri-fuel newbuild specifications may also watch how this LGIM-platform engine performs once the vessel enters service.
The source material does not specify bunkering locations, fuel supply arrangements, or broader fleet rollout plans beyond the ten VLOCs mentioned, so the wider commercial impact on bunkering markets remains unclear at this stage.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
