Alternative Fuels

Vale and Shandong Shipping to develop world’s first ethanol-powered bulkers

In addition to ethanol, these vessels will be capable of using methanol and heavy fuel oil, and their design also allows for conversion to use LNG or ammonia marine fuel.

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2026

Admin

Vale and Shandong Shipping to develop world's first ethanol-powered bulkers

Vale and Shandong Shipping Corporation recently concluded an agreement for new ethanol-powered Guaibamax vessels, which are scheduled for delivery starting in 2029.

The agreement marked an unprecedented milestone for global iron ore transport: this is the first time in the maritime industry that ethanol will be used as the primary fuel on an ocean-going vessel.

Ethanol has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by around 90% compared to the use of heavy fuel oil, commonly used in shipping.

The agreement between Vale and Shandong includes 25-year contracts for the construction of two vessels, with an option for additional ships.

The adoption of these second-generation Guaibamax vessels, which are 340 meters long and have a capacity of 325,000 tonnes, is part of the Brazilian mining company’s multi-fuel strategy.

In addition to ethanol, these vessels will be capable of using methanol and heavy fuel oil, and their design also allows for conversion to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) or ammonia.

“Vale’s pioneering efforts towards decarbonization in maritime transport are guided by a strategy that combines flexibility and efficiency. The use of ethanol as fuel in the ships that transport our ore, combined with the adoption of rotor sails to harness wind energy, places Vale in a unique position for the energy transition in global shipping over the coming decades, whilst driving similar initiatives in the sector,” said Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Director of Shipping.

Considering the full fuel cycle from well to wake, ethanol can reduce carbon emissions by around 90% (in the case of second-generation ethanol) compared with heavy fuel oil. In addition to maritime transport, Vale’s adoption of ethanol in its logistics operations includes trials on trucks at its operations and on locomotives on the Vitória a Minas Railway (EFVM).

The new ethanol-powered ships will be similar to 10 other methanol dual-fuel vessels that Shandong will deliver to Vale from 2027 onwards.

The second generation of the Guaibamax will be equipped with five rotor sails – which harnesses wind energy to reduce fuel consumption – more efficient engines, hydrodynamic devices, a shaft generator, frequency inverters and silicone paint, amongst other energy efficiency improvements. The set of technologies applied will reduce GHG emissions by around 15% compared to the current generation of Guaibamax.

These technologies and alternative fuels are being tested as part of the Ecoshipping program, a research and development initiative created by Vale to support the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts and improve the efficiency of the mining company’s fleet.

Vale’s chartered fleet includes first-generation Valemax vessels since 2011, second-generation Valemax vessels since 2018 and, since 2019, the first generation of Guaibamax. These vessels are already among the most efficient in the world and can reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by up to 41% compared to a standard capesize vessel.

Photo credit: Anderson Bibico
Published: 16 April, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Published

14 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post.

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024.

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.

Published

14 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

Published

14 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said.

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels.

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026