Two powerhouses in global shipping are joining forces to develop ethanol-powered engines. Brazilian mining giant Vale and Everllence, the world’s top ship engine manufacturer, have signed a cooperation agreement regarding the development of ethanol as a marine fuel. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will develop an advanced ethanol-powered engine – based on the Everllence B&W ME-LGI (-Liquid Gas Injection) platform – designed to provide a s alternative to conventional fossil-fuel engines. Christian Ludwig, a vice president at Everllence, said Vale was a global advocate for ethanol as an energy-transition fuel, adding he felt the engine news would resonate strongly across both Brazil and China.The Vale news comes as brokers talk of the Brazilian conglomerate being ready to sign for a large series of newcastlemax and very large ore carrier newbuilds.