Australian company Fortescue’s ammonia-fuelled ‘Fortescue Green Pioneer’ has completed a demonstration of ammonia fuel usage in the Port of Southampton, said to be a first for the UK and Europe.
The demonstration highlighted the vessel’s operational safety, ensured regulatory compliance, and provided training for the crew on how to operate an ammonia-fuelled vessel. The demonstration followed several days of regulatory inspections at the port.
As a zero-carbon fuel, ammonia is considered to offer a net-zero pathway for the shipping industry by lowering GHG emissions. Ammonia can be made synthetically by ammonia synthesis, combining nitrogen with hydrogen. When this process is completed using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower and geothermal energy, the result is green ammonia. Fortescue Green Pioneer is a collaborative effort between Fortescue and other maritime stakeholders to demonstrate the feasibility of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel.
Port of Southampton Harbour Master Steve Masters said: “We are proud that Fortescue Green Pioneer has chosen Southampton as its first port of call in Europe. I have been closely collaborating with the team on board and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure they have everything necessary to carry out demonstrations of the vessel under ammonia power. This marks a significant advancement in maritime decarbonisation, and it is exciting to see the Port of Southampton leading the way in accommodating vessels powered by greener fuels.”
Fortescue Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest, added: “We have brought the Fortescue Green Pioneer to the UK to deliver a simple message: the technology for green ammonia powered shipping engines exists now. This vessel encapsulates the innovation and character that has defined Fortescue’s mission to lead the world beyond fossil fuels. Over the coming months, global shipping regulators at the International Maritime Organisation have the chance to fast-track shipping’s move away from dirty bunker fuel and embrace Real Zero fuel standards. With the right character and leadership, they can chart a course towards a more sustainable future for the planet and advance a dramatic reduction in shipping costs through the widespread adoption and scaling of renewable sources. This opportunity cannot be missed.”
MCA Director of Customer Services, Lars Lippuner said: “Decarbonisation in the maritime sector is a huge priority for the UK and shipping, and Fortescue Green Pioneer successfully demonstrates what a future of cleaner shipping could look like. The MCA will conduct thorough inspections and checks to ensure the vessel’s safety and operational readiness for its onward journey. It has been a pleasure working in collaboration with Fortescue to bring this innovative vessel to Europe, and we are excited that the shift to a more sustainable marine fuel and a world’s first is being showcased here in the UK.”
The call of Fortescue Green Pioneer is the latest example of the Port of Southampton’s activities in green maritime, and will be followed by various seminars and information exchange events.
Image: ‘Fortescue Green Pioneer’ visits Southampton (source: Associated British Ports)
