The Australian iron ore producer Fortescue Metals Group has announced the signing of an agreement with the Belgian shipping company CMB.
TECH to charter up to 12 dry cargo ships capable of transporting ammonia.
The initiative aims to support the decarbonization of marine transport while helping to accelerate the commercial adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
The agreement covers up to 12 Newcastlemax bulk carriers
Under the agreement, Fortescue will charter 12 Newcastlemax vessels with a 210,000-ton deadweight capacity from Bocimar, CMB's dry cargo division.
TECH.
Up to three vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel ammonia engines after delivery and are expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The remaining nine vessels will be delivered as ammonia-ready vessels, which will allow them to be converted to work with ammonia in the future as fuel availability and infrastructure continue to evolve.
Green ammonia can significantly reduce emissions
According to the companies, the fleet can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 250,000 tons per year compared to ships powered by conventional marine fuels if they run on green ammonia.
Fortescue stated that the agreement represents a practical step towards scaling up the use of green ammonia in the marine sector. The company also noted that its Green Pioneer demonstration vessel has already demonstrated a safe
