Fortescue and CMB.TECH agree deal on ‘green’ bulkers

Australian mining giant, Fortescue, and Bocimar, CMB.TECH’s bulk carrier subsidiary, have signed an agreement for the charter of up to 12 ‘ammonia capable’ Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

Up to three of the dual-fuel ammonia vessels are likely to enter service by the end of this year. The other nine 210,000-tonners will be ‘ammonia-ready’ and can be converted to run on ammonia in the future.

If the fuel is green – produced entirely using renewable energy and zero-carbon emissions – running the bulkers will be carbon-free. Fortescue claims that by using green ammonia in the future, the combined fleet would save 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, compared with conventional marine fuels.

The mining company’s director Integrated Operations, Katie Charuga, said: “The shipping industry doesn’t need more talk. It needs action. 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.”

Alexander Saverys, CMB.TECH CEO, commented: “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 decarbonisation of shipping: our sector can decarbonise at scale. It just takes like-minded, determined partners who walk the talk.”