Swiss marine power company WinGD has secured a contract to supply four X72DF-M-1.0 dual-fuel engines to Polaris Shipping, with the units capable of operating on both methanol and ethanol — a feature WinGD notes gives operators the ability to respond to shifting fuel markets and regulatory developments over the service life of a vessel.

The engines will power four 210,000 deadweight tonnes (dwt) Newcastlemax ore carriers being built at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co in China, with vessel deliveries scheduled for 2031.

The ability to switch between the two alcohol fuels is central to the commercial rationale behind the order. Polaris Shipping explained: "Fuel availability and economics will continue to evolve over the lifetime of these vessels. Selecting an engine platform that gives us access to both methanol and ethanol means we can provide our charterers a greater choice in how the ships are operated in the future, rather than having to predict today which fuel will be most competitive in the years ahead. We're investing for the long-term, and this engine choice gives us the confidence to do that."

Dr Carmelo Cartalemi, Head of Strategic Marketing at WinGD, commented: "Shipowners are looking for flexible solutions to help them meet their decarbonisation goals without compromising on reliability, safety or financial stability. Our alcohol-fuel engine platform enables ships to operate on either ethanol or methanol, giving shipowners and managers the option to select the fuel that best fits their operational and commercial requirements. With fuel markets and regulations continuing to evolve, that flexibility can be a valuable asset over the lifetime of a vessel."

According to WinGD, the X72DF-M-1.0 maintains compliance with the regulatory requirements applicable to both fuels. In addition to the engines themselves, WinGD says it will provide dedicated service and lifecycle support for the alcohol fuels, with the aim of helping shipowners and operators build familiarity with the technology and optimise operation and maintenance.

The order adds to WinGD's orderbook of alternative-fuel engine technology, which now spans LNG, methanol, ethanol and ammonia. Beihai Shipyard — the same yard building the Polaris Shipping vessels — is also working with WinGD on the installation of ammonia-fuelled engines for CMB TECH's newbuild 210,000-DWT dry bulk carriers.