Vale to Launch World’s First Ethanol-Powered Ocean-Going Vessel
Brazilian mining giant Vale is set to revolutionize maritime decarbonization with its groundbreaking initiative to deploy the world’s first ocean-going vessel primarily powered by ethanol. This innovative move aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. Vale has entered into an agreement with Shandong Shipping Corporation to construct a new generation of “Guaibamax” bulk carriers, marking a historic milestone in the shipping industry. The first of these vessels is anticipated to commence operations in 2029.
The new vessels will be impressive in size, measuring 340 meters in length and boasting a carrying capacity of 325,000 tonnes. They will feature a versatile, multi-fuel design, allowing them to operate not only on ethanol but also on methanol and conventional bunker fuel. Furthermore, there are plans for future retrofitting options to accommodate liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia. This flexibility is crucial as the industry seeks to transition towards more sustainable fuel sources.
Vale emphasizes that the real innovation lies in the emissions profile of ethanol. When evaluated on a full lifecycle “well-to-wake” basis, second-generation ethanol could potentially reduce carbon emissions by approximately 90% compared to traditional heavy fuel oil, which is currently the dominant fuel in the maritime sector. This initiative is part of Vale’s broader strategy to decarbonize its logistics chain, particularly targeting the shipping segment, which constitutes a significant portion of its Scope 3 emissions. The company has pledged to reduce these emissions by 15% by 2035.
Innovative Features and Future Prospects
Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Director of Shipping, highlighted the importance of combining flexibility and efficiency in this project. Each vessel will be equipped with five rotor sails designed to harness wind energy, alongside various efficiency upgrades such as optimized hull designs, shaft generators, advanced coatings, and frequency-controlled systems. Collectively, these enhancements are projected to further reduce emissions by an additional 15% compared to the current generation of Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs).
MOL and Vale Lead with World-First Rotor Sails on Capesize Bulk Carrier
The ethanol-powered vessels will follow a series of 10 dual-fuel vessels, capable of running on both methanol and heavy fuel oil, which are already on order from Shandong and scheduled for delivery starting in 2027. This initiative is part of Vale’s “Ecoshipping” program, a long-term research and development effort aimed at accelerating maritime decarbonization. Since 2020, Vale has invested approximately $1.4 billion in emissions reduction initiatives across its operations, including trials of ethanol in trucks and locomotives.
While alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol have garnered significant attention in the industry, Vale’s commitment to ethanol introduces a new contender in the race for sustainable shipping. This approach could leverage existing biofuel supply chains while providing immediate emissions reductions. If successful, this project could pave the way for a new era in bulk shipping’s energy transition, driven by an unexpected source: alcohol.
