Ethanol Gains Momentum as Viable Marine Fuel Option

WinGD's two-stroke engines have been ordered by Shandong Shipping for use in ethanol-fuelled ships, marking a significant milestone in the development of the biofuel as a marine fuel. This move follows Vale's long-term charter to global mining giant Vale, which will benefit from the low 20.8gCO2eq/MJ emissions factor of Brazilian 'second growth' corn ethanol.

The use of ethanol as a marine fuel has been gaining traction in recent years, driven by its lower emissions profile compared to conventional ship fuels. WinGD's engines can run on a blend of alcohol fuels, making it an attractive option for operators looking to decarbonize their fleets.

While the inclusion of Brazilian 'second growth' corn ethanol in the IMO's Lifecycle Analysis Guidelines for Marine Fuels is a significant development, there are still challenges to be addressed. The FuelEU Maritime regulation currently does not credit emissions reductions from the use of biofuels made from food crops or their byproducts, which could limit the adoption of ethanol as a marine fuel.