Fortescue to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable CMB.TECH Newcastlemax bulkers

Photo: CMB.TECH

In another indicator that ammonia-fueled vessels are becoming a reaity, Australian mining giant Fortescue and CMB.TECH have signed an agreement for the charter of up to 12 ammonia-capable dry bulk vessels Under the agreement, Fortescue will charter a fleet of 12 Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels (210,000 dwt) from Bocimar, CMB.TECH’s dry bulk shipping operator.

Up to three of the vessels will be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are expected to enter service by the end of 2026. The remaining nine vessels will be ammonia-ready and can be converted to operate on ammonia in the future.

If fueled by green ammonia, the combined fleet could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 250,000 tonnes a year compared with conventional marine fuels.

“The shipping industry doesn’t need more talk. It needs action,” said Katie Charuga, director of integrated operations at Fortescue, “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.

“Fortescue’s Green Pioneer demonstration vessel has already shown that ammonia can be used safely and effectively in marine operations. The next challenge is scaling the use of green ammonia.

“By investing in ammonia-capable vessels and working with partners who share our ambition, we are helping create demand for green ammonia and supporting the technologies needed to reduce emissions from global shipping.”

Fortescue and Bocimar have built a strong partnership over more than two decades, grounded in shared values and a clear commitment to decarbonize shipping,’ said CMB.TECH CEO Alexander Saverys, “This agreement marks an important step in showcasing ammonia as a viable marine fuel and advancing the transition to zero-emission shipping. It also sends a powerful signal to the market, particularly at a time when there is doubt about the decarbonization of shipping: our sector can decarbonize at scale. It just takes like-minded, determined partners who walk the talk.”