Fortescue has pulled off a world first with the use of ammonia as a marine fuel aboard its ship the Fortescue Green Pioneer in the Port of Singapore.
The ship was loaded for the fuel trial with a combination of liquid ammonia and diesel from a facility at Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island.
The trial was conducted over a period of seven weeks and included rigorous testing of the Fortescue Green Pioneer’s ammonia storage systems, piping, gas fuel delivery system, retrofitted engines, and seaworthiness.
“The Fortescue Green Pioneer is proof that safe, technical solutions for ammonia power engines exist,” Fortescue chair Andrew Forrest said.
“We must push to see global emitters paying fair carbon prices for heavy fuels used in traditional shipping. These prices must provide clear investment signals to drive green investment.”
The iron giant made the achievement with the support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), government agencies, research institutes, and industry partners.
“The safe conduct of this fuel trial supports the holistic assessment of the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, and the development of standards and safety procedures,” MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih said.
The Green Pioneer made its maiden voyage from Singapore to Dubai in December 2023 for COP28.
At the time, the company said the voyage was a symbol to the world of the technology solutions and regulatory changes needed to decarbonise shipping.
“Now that green ammonia is emerging as a bulk marine fuel, it is now the time for the great ports of the world to become capable of pollution-free shipping,” Forrest said.
“I look to the leadership of the world’s ports to make clear that running the world’s global shipping on dirty bunker fuel has to stop, as we have a pollution-free alternative.”
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