In Australia, on July 2, global miner BHP announced contracts with China’s COSCO Shipping Bulk for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuel Newcastlemax vessels to transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia, with delivery expected from 2028. The five-year time charters are part of BHP’s plan to reduce emissions in its shipping operations.
The ships will be among the first capable of using ammonia as marine fuel. BHP Vice President Emma Roberts said, “Together we are contributing to the industry’s ambition towards abatement of maritime greenhouse gas emissions through these first generation ammonia dual-fuelled vessels.” COSCO Shipping Vice President Ji Lin added, “It’s a symbol of how our collaboration is evolving with the times.”
BHP said the contracts followed a competitive expression of interest process and will support its goal that by 2030, 10 percent of its shipped products will use zero greenhouse gas emissions fuels. An ammonia bunkering plan is under development, and a separate tender is ongoing to source low to zero emissions ammonia.
BHP previously chartered five dual-fuel LNG vessels and introduced biodiesel in its shipping operations. These latest charters are part of its broader strategy to decarbonize maritime freight.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
