Fortescue Charters Ammonia-Powered Ore Carrier to Cut Shipping Emissions

Fortescue 

First Dual-Fuel Vessel with Green Ammonia to Support Net-Zero Targets by 2040

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has signed a landmark charter agreement with Bocimar, a division of CMB.TECH, to deploy a green ammonia-powered Newcastlemax vessel by the end of 2026. This move signals a critical shift in the company’s strategy to decarbonize maritime logistics in line with its broader climate goals.

The 210,000 dwt vessel, powered by dual engines capable of running on renewable green ammonia, will play a central role in transporting iron ore from Fortescue’s Pilbara operations to its global customer base.

Milestone in Tackling Scope 3 Emissions

The new carrier adds momentum to Fortescue’s commitment to eliminate scope 1 and 2 emissions from its Australian iron ore operations by 2030 and reach net-zero scope 3 emissions—mainly from shipping and steelmaking—by 2040.

“This landmark agreement with Bocimar marks a critical step in addressing our scope three emissions,” said Fortescue Minerals CEO Dino Otranto. “The days of operating on dirty bunker fuel, which is responsible for 3% of global emissions, are numbered.”

Otranto emphasized the importance of shipping regulators stepping up efforts to hasten the transition away from carbon-intensive marine fuels.

Green Pioneer Leads the Way

Fortescue’s Green Pioneer, the world’s first class-approved dual-fuel ammonia vessel, is already setting the pace. The ship is embarking on a global awareness tour to showcase that zero-emission maritime technology is ready now.

CMB.TECH CEO Alexander Saverys highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two companies and underscored their joint mission: “Green ammonia is the fuel of the future... This is the beginning of an exciting journey.”

Both companies see this initiative as a catalyst to stimulate green ammonia production projects, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize one of the world’s hardest-to-abate industries.