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MINING TITAN VALE COMMISSIONS THE FIRST EVER ETHANOL-POWERED MEGA BULK CARRIERS
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Vale announces it has struck a deal with China’s Shandong Shipping Corporation to construct the initial large ocean-going ships that will utilize ethanol as their main fuel source. It is a modification of its existing design for the large Guaibamax vessels (325,000 dwt) and follows reports from earlier this year that indicated Vale and Everllence were collaborating on ethanol as a marine engine fuel.
Vale states that the deal with Shandong involves 25-year contracts for building two ships, with an option for more vessels. The acceptance of these second-generation Guaibamax ships, measuring 340 meters (1,115 feet) in length and capable of carrying 325,000 tonnes, is a component of the Brazilian mining company's multi-fuel approach. Besides ethanol, these ships will also be able to utilize methanol and heavy fuel oil, and their design permits conversion to employ liquefied natural gas (LNG) or ammonia.
Shipping firms and engine producers have indicated they are investigating ethanol as a potential fuel alternative. Although there are worries regarding supply, it is simpler to manage than ammonia, which is harmful and extremely corrosive. Maersk announced last December that it was investigating ethanol for use on its innovative methanol-powered feeder vessel, Laura Maersk. Everllence announced in September 2025 that it successfully tested ethanol on its large two-stroke engines at the factory.