Everllence has successfully completed R&D testing for the world’s first G80 ethanol-capable tri-fuel engine at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, destined for a pioneering Very Large Ore Carrier chartered by Vale. Built upon the proven B&W ME-LGIM platform, the new ME-LGIMe engine allows seamless operation across fuel oil, methanol, ethanol, or fluid blends of the latter two. This milestone highlights a major shift toward tangible, scalable alternative-fuel solutions in the hard-to-abate bulk shipping sector.
Seoul and Copenhagen | September 2, 2026 – Engine technology leader Everllence has successfully completed and verified R&D testing for the world’s first Everllence B&W G80 ethanol-capable engine. Conducted at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Engine and Machinery division (HHI-EMD) in Korea, the milestone test marks a major leap forward in pragmatic, multi-fuel decarbonization for heavy maritime transport.
Powering a Global Milestone for Vale and Shandong Shipping
The newly tested G80 unit is bound for the third vessel in a landmark series of 10 Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs). Ordered by Shandong Shipping and chartered by Brazilian mining and logistics giant Vale, the vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
Stemming from a formal cooperation agreement signed by Everllence and Vale earlier this year, the propulsion system transforms the traditional G80 platform into a fully flexible tri-fuel engine capable of running on fuel oil, methanol, ethanol, or any blend of methanol and ethanol.
“This marks a major milestone for the G80 engine platform, transforming it into a fully flexible tri‑fuel engine,” said Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at Everllence. “The project reflects our shared commitment with Vale regarding pragmatic and scalable decarbonisation pathways within the hard-to-abate shipping sector, and positions Vale at the forefront of maritime sustainability.”
Engineering Flexibility: The ME-LGIMe Platform
Derived from Everllence’s proven, market-leading B&W ME-LGIM (-Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) architecture, which boasts over 250 orders and more than 100 units actively in service, the new ME-LGIMe (Liquid Gas Injection Ethanol) design offers shipowners seamless fuel transitions:
- Maximum Bunkering Flexibility: The engine allows operators to pivot fluidly based on global commodity pricing and fuel availability, utilizing any mixture of methanol and ethanol without sacrificing operational reliability.
- Proven Reliability: Retaining the core strengths of the diesel-principle ME framework, the engine ensures optimal efficiency, stable pilot-oil consumption patterns, and robust performance under demanding operating conditions.
- Expanding Multi-Fuel Leadership: Everllence continues to solidify its footprint across future-proof fuel vectors, spanning methane, methanol, ammonia, ethane, LPG, and now commercialized ethanol.
“The G80 ethanol engine represents the latest evolution of Everllence’s two-stroke dual-fuel engines, designed to enable shipowners to transition seamlessly towards lower-emission fuels,” noted Christian Ludwig, Vice President and Head of Global Sales & Promotion at Everllence. “With multi-fuel capability increasing flexibility, we foresee core demand for this engine coming from bulk carriers, tankers, and container vessels alike.”
About Everllence
Headquartered in Germany, Everllence is a global leader in marine propulsion, decarbonization, and industrial energy systems. The company employs 15,000 people across more than 140 sites globally. Its extensive portfolio includes advanced dual-fuel engines, climate-neutral fuel retrofits, carbon capture systems, industrial heat pumps, and large-scale green hydrogen technologies through its subsidiary Quest One. Global after-sales support is managed via its dedicated service arm, Everllence PrimeServ.
Source: Everllence