What's Happening?
Australian mining company Fortescue is pioneering the use of ammonia as a fuel for maritime vessels, with its platform supply vessel, the Green Pioneer, being named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2025.
The company has converted its diesel-electric power system to dual-fuel ammonia, demonstrating the feasibility of ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel. Fortescue plans to retrofit its fleet with ammonia engines by 2030 and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. The company is also advancing a decarbonized mining approach, utilizing renewable energy and green hydrogen technology to reduce emissions.
Why It's Important?
Fortescue's initiatives represent a significant step towards decarbonizing the maritime industry, which is a major contributor to global emissions. By demonstrating the viability of ammonia as a maritime fuel, Fortescue is setting a precedent for other companies to follow, potentially accelerating the transition to zero-carbon shipping. This shift could have wide-reaching implications for global shipping practices, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy solutions. The economic viability of these technologies is also becoming clearer, with renewable energy now being the cheapest form of energy in many parts of the world.
