Fortescue, CMB.TECH in zero-emissions shipping deal for 12 ammonia-capable vessels

June 22, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Australian green technology, energy, and metals company Fortescue is set to charter a fleet of 12 ammonia-capable vessels from Bocimar, CMB.TECH’s dry bulk shipping operator, under a newly signed agreement.

Fortescue will charter 12 Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels (210,000 dwt), with up to three to be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and expected to enter service by the end of the year.

The remaining nine will be ammonia-ready and can be converted to operate on ammonia in the future.

“Fortescue’s Green Pioneer demonstration vessel has already shown that ammonia can be used safely and effectively in marine operations. The next challenge is scaling the use of green ammonia,” said Fortescue Director Integrated Operations, Katie Charuga. “By investing in ammonia-capable vessels and working with partners who share our ambition, we are helping create demand for green ammonia and supporting the technologies needed to reduce emissions from global shipping.”

If fuelled by green ammonia, the combined fleet could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 250,000 tons a year compared to conventional marine fuels, Fortescue said.

“This agreement marks an important step in showcasing ammonia as a viable marine fuel and advancing the transition to zero-emission shipping. It also sends a powerful signal to the market, particularly at a time when there is doubt about the decarbonisation of shipping: our sector can decarbonise at scale. It just takes like-minded, determined partners who walk the talk,” CMB.TECH CEO, Alexander Saverys, said.