Fortescue commits to 12 ammonia-capable bulkers from CMB.TECH

Mining company Fortescue is continuing its drive for ammonia as fuel with the charter of up to 12 bulkers from CMB.TECH.   The charter agreement covers up to three ammonia dual-fuel 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax bulkers expected to enter service with CMB.TECH’s dry bulk division Bomicar by the end of 2026. Fortescue will also take nine more Newcastlemax bulkers that are ammonia-ready and can be converted to dual fuel at a later date.     Fortescue Director Integrated Operations, Katie Charuga stated: “The shipping industry doesn’t need more talk. It needs action.”       Fortescue has been one of the leading proponents of ammonia as marine fuel operating demonstration vessel Green Pioneer and offshore support vessel converted to run on ammonia. While ammonia provides for significant emission reductions it is highly toxic and there are serious concerns about safety to crew and nearby populations if there is a spill as result of bunkering accident or a marine casualty.

“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,” said Charuga. “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.”     

The two companies said that if all 12 vessels were fuelled by ammonia it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 250,000 tonnes a year compared with conventional marine fuels.           Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH said:  “Fortescue and Bocimar have built a strong partnership over more than two decades, grounded in shared values and a clear commitment to decarbonise shipping. 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.”