Fortescue in world first use of ammonia as a marine fuel

Fortescue has become the first to demonstrate the use of ammonia, in combination with diesel in the combustion process, as a marine fuel.

The demonstration, in the Port of Singapore, was achieved by the Singapore-flagged ammonia-powered vessel, the Fortescue Green Pioneer (pictured).

Working with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), government agencies, research institutes, and industry partners, the vessel was loaded with liquid ammonia from an existing ammonia facility at Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island in Singapore.

In completing the trial, the Fortescue Green Pioneer received flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) and the ‘Gas Fueled Ammonia’ notation by classification society DNV to use ammonia, in combination with diesel, as a marine fuel.

The Chairman of Fortescue said Andrew Forrest said: “The Fortescue Green Pioneer is proof that safe, technical solutions for ammonia power engines exist.

“But as I did at COP 28 in Dubai, I am once again calling on the world’s ports to get on with setting fair, safe and stringent fuel standards for green ammonia and not shy away from their responsibilities.”

The company conducted tests on a four stroke engine at its test facility in Perth, following which two of Fortescue Green Pioneer’s engines were converted to use ammonia with the installation of a gas fuel delivery system, safety systems and infrastructure.

In 2023 the vessel was showcased at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and associated meetings (COP28/CMP18/CMA5) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Chief Executive of MPA Teo Eng Dih said: “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.”

Picture: Fortescue Green Pioneer