Fortescue Green Pioneer, the world’s first ammonia-powered vessel, has docked in London during a critical period for global shipping. This visit promotes the shift to green fuels sequentially aligned with forthcoming IMO regulations targeting emissions reductions. Fortescue advocates for immediate adoption of zero-emission fuels, positioning ammonia as a future alternative for shipping fuel.
Fortescue Green Pioneer, the first dual-fueled ammonia-powered vessel, has docked in London, marking its inaugural stop on a global tour promoting the shift to green fuels in international shipping. This arrival precedes a meeting of global business leaders, arranged by His Majesty The King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and Fortescue.
The 75m vessel, which departed from Singapore in January, showcased its ammonia-powered engines during its six-day stay at the Port of Southampton. Here, it also faced a Port State Control inspection—the first for any ammonia-fueled vessel in the UK—before moving on to Canary Wharf.
Fortescue’s Executive Chairman, Andrew Forrest, guided CEOs and distinguished guests through the vessel as part of the Terra Carta Roundtable & Exhibition, coinciding with SMI’s five-year anniversary event. This visit occurs as the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) is poised to make significant regulatory decisions regarding maritime emissions.
Key IMO meetings in April 2025 are set to determine the potential adoption of a global carbon levy. The IMO plans to impose binding regulations to significantly cut down greenhouse gas emissions from ships, with crucial targets for 2030 and 2040 leading to full decarbonisation by 2050.
Fortescue is promoting immediate adoption of zero-emission fuels like green ammonia, urging a shift away from transitional fuels such as biofuels and LNG. As the IMO debates these changes, Fortescue Green Pioneer will engage with ports worldwide, advocating for the infrastructure and safety protocols required for ammonia as a marine fuel.
Andrew Forrest emphasised the need for urgent action, stating, “Fortescue Green Pioneer embodies the innovative spirit, courage and leadership that is taking Fortescue to Real Zero by 2030. The International Maritime Organization must call on that same spirit… There is no time to waste on so-called transitional fuels.”
Fortescue Green Pioneer achieved a significant milestone in March 2024 by completing the world’s first dual-fueled ammonia loading and trial in Singapore. It received the necessary flag approval along with a special notation from DNV, affirming its eligibility to use ammonia as fuel. The IMO’s approval of interim guidelines for ammonia nearly marks ammonia’s transition into a practical marine fuel option.
The arrival of Fortescue Green Pioneer in London highlights a critical moment in the push for green fuels in shipping. As global shipping faces potential regulatory changes, the vessel advocates for a swift transition to zero-emission fuels. Key IMO decisions in 2025 will significantly impact the future of shipping emissions, with Fortescue leading efforts to eliminate reliance on transitional fuels. Immediate action is essential for the sector’s alignment with global decarbonisation targets.
Original Source: www.fortescue.com