The propulsion specialist Everllence has signed a cooperation agreement with the Brazilian company Vale – a global producer of iron ore, copper and nickel – to develop ethanol as a maritime fuel.
As part of the agreement, the companies intend to develop an ethanol-powered engine based on the proven Everllence B&W ME-LGI (-Liquid Gas Injection) platform. The aim of the initiative is reportedly to develop a solution that uses the “unique” properties of ethanol to combine environmental responsibility with competitiveness.
According to Everllence, this includes life cycle neutrality with a reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to fossil fuels. In addition, ethanol contains no sulphur and has very low toxicity, while being biodegradable and water-soluble. Furthermore, it is liquid at ambient temperatures and pressures, which enables the use of standardized procedures for bunkering and on-board handling and simplifies time-consuming processes – Everllence lists the advantages of ethanol.
Both companies state that the agreement is based on their long-standing strategic partnership and a shared desire to advance sustainable solutions for shipping.
China also interested in ethanol propulsion
According to Everllence, not only is the Brazilian company Vale a strong proponent of ethanol as a fuel, but China is also expected to respond strongly to this collaboration.
Everllence already demonstrated its expertise in the ethanol segment in September and December 2025. First, the successful operation of a ME-LGIM two-stroke engine (liquid gas injection methanol) with a 90 cm bore was reported in Japan, in ethanol operation at all load points. This was followed by news of the successful operation of a 21/31 dual-fuel four-stroke GenSet at Everllence’s test facility in Denmark, also on ethanol and also under all load conditions.
“With several dual-fuel technologies already in use and an ammonia engine close to market, Everllence has secured its position as the world’s leading engine developer in the two-stroke marine engine segment,” says Ole Pyndt Hansen – Senior Vice President, Head of Two-Stroke R&D, Everllence. “Our attention is focused on ethanol, and our R&D team has just returned from a two-week engine test in Japan with data that further strengthens our confidence in ethanol-based solutions.” According to Pyndt, previous tests have shown great potential and with this new data, they are now looking to expand the technology to integrate G70 and/or G80 engine platforms.
