Australia’s BHP Group is planning to receive its first ammonia-fuelled bulk carrier in 2026 as part of the company’s plans to cut shipping emissions, a senior executive said.
Eight companies shortlisted
The global mining giant has shortlisted eight companies for the building, operation and fuel supply for at least one such vessel, Rashpal Singh Bhatti, vice president of maritime and supply chain excellence at BHP told Reuters late last week.
Ammonia is among several alternative fuels that shippers are considering to reduce carbon emissions, as it does not emit carbon when burned.
The world’s first ammonia-fuelled ship engines are expected for delivery between late-2024 and early-2025, based on statements by top engine makers MAN Energy and Wartsila.
The proposed ships are likely to refuel ammonia at ports in Australia, Japan and China, Bhatti added.
Bio-blended fuels
Shippers can adopt bio-blended fuels to meet the EU’s emissions requirements, though these fuels are at a price premium to conventional marine fuel.
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Source : Reuters
