Australia’s Fortescue to convert offshore vessel to run on green ammonia

LONDON (ICIS)–Australia’s Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) on Thursday announced that a high-tech vessel powered almost completely by green ammonia will hit the water in 2022.

The company is converting the 75 metre-long vessel MMA Leveque in collaboration with MMA Offshore Limited as part of its commitment to net zero [carbon] shipping.

Addressing an audience at COP26’s “Transport Day”, FFI chairman Andrew Forrest, called for a net zero 2040 target to be embraced by the entire shipping industry.

“This vessel will show the shipping industry the power of a vessel fuelled by green ammonia in real world conditions,” he said.

“We are investing heavily in research and development to transform our trains, trucks and ships on the road, rail and sea with zero pollution fuels as soon as possible.

“It is world leading technology and will assist in providing the shipping industry with the practical knowhow to decarbonise completely.”

The vessel will run on green fuel and is part of Fortescue Metal Group’s broader fleet of trucks, locomotives and ships all undergoing technical transition to operate on clean energy.

Earlier this year, the firm combusted blended ammonia fuel in a locomotive, paving the way to achieve a renewable locomotive operation using 100% green ammonia.