Australian iron ore giant Fortescue has signed an agreement with Belgian maritime giant CMB.Tech to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable vessels, a significant step in the company’s efforts to scale the decarbonisation of global shipping and advance the adoption of ammonia as a shipping fuel.
Up to three of the 12 vessels – measuring 210,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) – will be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are expected to enter service by the end of 2026, while nine other vessels will be ammonia-ready, able to be converted to operate on ammonia in the future.
If all 12 vessels are eventually fuelled entirely by green ammonia, the combined fleet could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 250,000 tonnes a year, as compared to conventional marine fuels.
“The shipping industry doesn’t need more talk. It needs action,” said Katie Charuga, Fortescue director of integrated operations.
“Green ammonia is one of the clearest pathways to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from shipping, and these vessels represent a practical step towards that future. By backing new technologies and working with partners who are prepared to lead, we can help drive the uptake of green ammonia in shipping.
