Fortescue to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable bulk carriers
In Belgium, Fortescue agreed to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable Newcastlemax bulk carriers from Bocimar, the dry bulk division of Antwerp-based CMB.TECH.
The 210,000-deadweight-ton vessels will carry Fortescue cargoes under an agreement intended to build commercial demand for ammonia as a marine fuel. Up to three will be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are expected to enter service by the end of 2026.
The other nine ships will initially be ammonia-ready, allowing their engines and fuel systems to be converted for ammonia operation later.
The agreement expands a commercial relationship between Fortescue and Bocimar that has lasted more than 20 years. Fortescue has already tested ammonia aboard its Green Pioneer demonstration vessel, but the new charter moves the fuel from a trial ship toward use in large dry bulk operations.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
