Fortescue and CMB.TECH signed an agreement for the chartering of up to 12 Newcastlemax bulk carriers capable of using ammonia. The alliance seeks to accelerate the decarbonization of global shipping and advance the use of alternative fuels for dry bulk cargo operations.
Additionally, the agreement stipulates that Fortescue will charter the fleet from Bocimar, a dry cargo shipping operator belonging to CMB.TECH. Each vessel will have an approximate deadweight capacity of 210,000 tons.
Three Vessels to Feature Dual-Fuel Engines
Up to three vessels will be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are expected to enter service by the end of 2026. The remaining nine vessels will be ammonia-ready and can be converted in the future.
Likewise, if the combined fleet were to use green ammonia, it could reduce approximately 250,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year compared to conventional marine fuels.
Fortescue Promotes the Use of Green Ammonia
Katie Charuga, Fortescue’s Chief Integrated Operations Officer, stated that the shipping industry needs to move from declarations to action. According to the executive, green ammonia represents one of the clearest paths to reducing shipping emissions.
Furthermore, Fortescue has already tested this technological route with its Green Pioneer demonstration vessel, designed to validate the safe and effective use of ammonia in maritime operations.
CMB.TECH Reinforces its Decarbonization Strategy
Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, highlighted that the relationship between Fortescue and Bocimar spans over two decades. He also affirmed that the agreement demonstrates the viability of ammonia as a marine fuel and sends a clear signal to the market.
With this fleet, both companies aim to create demand for green ammonia and support technologies capable of reducing shipping emissions on a global scale.
Source and photo: https://www.fortescue.com/
