Fortescue, in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and various industry partners, has achieved a milestone by conducting the world’s first use of ammonia as a marine fuel in a dual-fuelled vessel, the Fortescue Green Pioneer, at the Port of Singapore.
Ammonia, a well-known chemical used in agriculture and industry, is being explored as a viable option for powering marine vessels as part of the global energy transition. By combining nitrogen from the air with hydrogen, ammonia can serve as a carrier for hydrogen to be used in power generation and as a marine fuel. The successful use of ammonia in the combustion process alongside diesel on the Fortescue Green Pioneer demonstrates the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping sector.
The journey towards utilizing ammonia as a marine fuel began in 2022 when Fortescue converted a four-stroke engine to run on ammonia at its testing facility in Perth, Australia. Subsequent conversion work on the Fortescue Green Pioneer at Seatrium’s Benoi yard enabled the vessel to operate using a combination of ammonia and diesel in its engines. The vessel’s engines can switch between conventional fuels and the new dual-fuel system as needed, showcasing its versatility and adaptability.
In December 2023, the Fortescue Green Pioneer embarked on a voyage from Singapore to the Middle East, where it was showcased at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai. The vessel’s presence at the event attracted global leaders, industry experts, and representatives from international organizations, highlighting the significance of this pioneering initiative in the maritime sector.
Prior to conducting the fuel trial, extensive safety measures and training sessions were undertaken to ensure the readiness and proficiency of the crew in handling ammonia as a marine fuel.
