According to Everllence, the company has successfully demonstrated the operation of a 90-bore ME-LGIM (Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) engine using ethanol in Japan.
Having introduced the ME-LGIM platform over ten years ago, Everllence saw its first commercial engine enter service in 2016 within the methanol carrier sector. Since then, they have expanded their methanol-burning offerings significantly. In 2021, they launched their first ME-LGIM for a vessel outside this segment and have since become a leader in methanol engines across various vessel types, with over 225 units ordered for new builds and more than 50 engines already operational.
The recent success with ethanol means that Everllence now possesses an operational engine to validate its capabilities with this alternative fuel.
Ole Pyndt Hansen, Senior Vice President and Head of Two-Stroke R&D at Everllence, remarked: “Interest in ethanol has been steadily increasing. We’ve been attentive to market signals and have made necessary design adjustments accordingly. This groundwork has equipped us well technically. With this latest achievement, we now possess real-world data from an operating engine that confirms our ability to run our ME-LGIM on ethanol without complications.”
Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at Everllence stated: “This is another proud milestone for us as we leverage our extensive engineering legacy. Currently, we operate five dual-fuel technologies alongside an ammonia-powered engine nearing release. As leaders in two-stroke marine technology development globally, we feel it’s our responsibility to advance innovations that support decarbonization efforts within maritime transport. However, we need supportive legislation recognizing ethanol as a viable fuel option along with sufficient market demand.”
Michael Petersen, Senior Vice President at PrimeServ Denmark – Everllence added: “The successful trials in Japan bring us closer to offering ethanol as a retrofit solution for S90 engines already utilizing ME-LGIM technology—similar to our existing retrofit options like ME-GI and ME-LGIP. We are keenly awaiting further insights regarding the commercial viability of ethanol from application and bunkering perspectives. Overall, enabling retrofitted engines for alcohol use will align customers aiming for IMO-defined net-zero emissions with those adopting from our current portfolio.”
