Fortescue & CMB.TECH: charter signed for ammonia-powered iron carrier
By on April 21, 2025
210,000 dwt vessel being built in China
Click to learn more. Graphic visualisation of the ammonia-powered Newcastlemax vessel which will be delivered to Fortescue by the end of 2026. Source: Bocimar.
The Newcastlemax vessel is expected to be delivered to Fortescue by the end of 2026, and will transport iron ore from the Pilbara in northwest Australia, primarily to China and APAC customers. The vessel will feature WinGD’s X‑DF‑A dual-fuel engine, for which no aftertreatment is required for N2O emissions, and which uses selective catalytic reduction to ensure Tier III NOX compliance in both ammonia and diesel fuel modes. A series of ammonia-powered Newcastlemax vessels is under construction at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding.
Our landmark agreement with Bocimar sends a clear signal to the market – now is the time for shipowners to invest in ammonia-powered ships. The days of ships operating on dirty bunker fuel, which is responsible for three per cent of global carbon emissions, are numbered. Our agreement with Bocimar is just the beginning and is a critical step in addressing our Scope 3 emissions. Through the Fortescue Green Pioneer we have demonstrated that the technology to decarbonise shipping exists now. We will continue to work with like-minded companies like Bocimar to transition our fleet to low and zero-emissions vessels and help accelerate the widespread adoption of green ammonia as a marine fuel.
Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals CEO, in his organisation’s official press release, 17 Apr 2025
Fortescue and Bocimar have been close partners for more than 20 years. We share the same values and are both passionate about decarbonising the maritime industry. Based on our common belief that green ammonia is the fuel of the future, we were able to conclude this important agreement on the road to zero emission shipping. This is the beginning of an exciting journey to build more ammonia-powered ships that will stimulate more green ammonia production projects. We need to decarbonise today to navigate tomorrow.
Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, in Fortescue’s official press release, 17 Apr 2025
Fortescue’s Green Pioneer vessel spent time in London in the build-up to MEPC 83 at the IMO, performing maneuvers on ammonia fuel in the Port of Southampton. It also became the first ammonia-fueled vessel to undergo a successful Port State Control inspection in the UK.