The arrival of the Fortescue Green Pioneer exemplifies how shipping can become more sustainable, a mission fully supported by the government
In a significant stride towards sustainable shipping, the United Kingdom has welcomed the world’s first dual-fuelled ammonia-powered vessel to its shores. The Singapore-flagged vessel, Fortescue Green Pioneer, has arrived in the UK to demonstrate the viability of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. This groundbreaking vessel, powered by a four-stroke engine with two of its engines capable of being fuelled by ammonia and diesel, marks an important step forward in maritime decarbonisation.
Ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, holds the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. The arrival of the Fortescue Green Pioneer exemplifies how shipping can become more sustainable, a mission fully supported by the government. The vessel’s visit is part of the UK’s broader efforts to combat climate change and promote clean energy solutions in the maritime sector.
To ensure full compliance with UK regulatory requirements, the Fortescue Green Pioneer and its team have been working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The vessel docked at the Port of Southampton, where Port State Control inspections were conducted by the MCA’s Survey and Inspection team. Following the inspections, the vessel will travel to West India Dock in London, operated by the Canal and River Trust, to showcase its technology and capabilities to key maritime stakeholders, partners, and the public.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane expressed his enthusiasm for the pioneering vessel, stating, “It’s great to welcome this first-of-a-kind vessel to UK shores – this is exactly the kind of innovation that will drive forward decarbonisation in the shipping sector. Through our UK SHORE programme, we are committed to supporting the technology and alternative fuels needed to make zero-emission shipping a reality and establishing the UK as a clean energy superpower.”
Lars Lippuner, MCA Director of UK Customer Services, echoed Kane’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of decarbonisation in the maritime sector. “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,” he said. “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.”
Fortescue Executive Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest, underscored the significance of the vessel’s mission. “We have brought the Fortescue Green Pioneer to the UK to deliver a simple message: This vessel encapsulates the innovation and character that has defined Fortescue’s mission to lead the world beyond fossil fuels,” he said. “Over the coming months, global shipping regulators at the International Maritime Organization 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.”
The MCA is actively involved in regulating vessels using ammonia as a marine fuel, following the International Maritime Organization’s interim guidelines for using ammonia as fuel. These guidelines should be used in conjunction with the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). The MCA is currently collaborating with other member states at the IMO to further develop these interim guidelines, with the expectation that they will be reviewed, finalised, and adopted into the main IGF code in the future.
As part of the regulatory requirements, the IGF Code stipulates that an Alternative Design Arrangement (ADA) must be submitted to the Administration to be notified to the IMO. Full guidance on the ADA process is published in MSC Circular, MSC.1/Circ.1212, and should be closely followed by owners and operators prior to submission to the MCA as part of the plan approval process.
Ammonia can be used in existing marine diesel engines with appropriate modifications, which must be duly approved by the relevant Classification Society and the flag administration. The successful integration of ammonia as a marine fuel represents a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable shipping, and the Fortescue Green Pioneer’s visit to the UK is a testament to the progress being made in this critical area.
The arrival of the Fortescue Green Pioneer in the UK is not just a demonstration of technological innovation but also a call to action for the global shipping industry. As the world looks to reduce its carbon footprint, the UK’s support for and showcase of ammonia-powered vessels highlight the potential for a cleaner, more sustainable future in maritime transport.
