(Perth, Australia) – Australian mining company Fortescue Metal Group (FMG) has ordered ammonia-powered vessels from Belgian shipping company CMB.Tech. According to the agreement, the world's fourth-largest iron ore producer will charter twelve Newcastlemax-class bulk carriers, each with a deadweight tonnage of 210.000 tons, through CMB subsidiary Bocimar.
Katie Charuga (center), Director of Integrated Operations at Fortescue and godmother of the "Mineral Australia": "The shipping industry doesn't need more discussions about CO2 reduction. It needs to act." © CMB.Tech
Three of the ships will be delivered with dual-fuel engines for ammonia propulsion and are scheduled to enter service by the end of 2026. The remaining nine can be retrofitted. "When powered by green ammonia, the fleet will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 250.000 tons annually compared to conventional marine fuels," says Katie Charuga, Fortescue Director of Integrated Operations. The shipping industry doesn't need further discussions about CO2 reductions; it simply needs to take action. The technology is ready for market.
Mining company Fortescue is chartering twelve bulk carriers, each with a capacity of 210.000 tons, through CMB subsidiary Bocimar. Three of the ships can be powered directly by green ammonia. © CMB.Tech
“By supporting new technologies” and collaborating with suitable partners, “we can help advance the use of green ammonia,” said Charuga. With a “Green Pioneer” demonstration vessel, they have already shown that “ammonia can be used safely and effectively in maritime operations.” The next challenge is “scaling up.”
The agreement sends “a strong signal to the market,” says CMB.Tech CEO Alexander Saverys: “Our sector can decarbonize on a large scale. All it needs are determined partners.” CMB-Tech operates 250 bulk carriers, oil and chemical tankers, container ships, and offshore vessels worldwide. The company also supplies fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.
Photo above
The Belgian-flagged "Mineral Latvija," operating in Port Hedland (Western Australia), one of the world's largest bulk cargo ports, belongs to CMB-Tech's "Newcastlemax" class, of which Fortescue charters twelve ammonia-powered vessels. © CMB.Tech
