- The UK welcomes the world’s first dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessel, Fortescue Green Pioneer.
- The vessel demonstrates the potential of ammonia as a zero-carbon marine fuel.
- Regulatory inspections are being conducted in Southampton before the vessel proceeds to London.
- UK government and maritime authorities support the initiative as part of decarbonisation efforts.
The UK has received the Fortescue Green Pioneer, the world’s first dual-fuel vessel capable of running on ammonia and diesel, marking a significant step in sustainable shipping. This Singapore-flagged ship is equipped with a four-stroke engine, two of which are designed to use ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel with the potential to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector.
As part of its UK visit, Fortescue Green Pioneer has collaborated with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure full compliance with UK maritime regulations. The vessel has docked at the Port of Southampton, where MCA’s Survey and Inspection team will conduct Port State Control inspections. This evaluation is crucial in ensuring the vessel’s safety and operational efficiency as it continues its journey.
Following its time in Southampton, the ship will proceed to West India Dock in London, managed by the Canal and River Trust. Here, it will showcase its cutting-edge technology to key industry stakeholders, partners, and the public, underlining the viability of ammonia as a sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:
“It’s great to welcome this pioneering, 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.”
MCA Director of UK Customer Services Lars Lippuner said:
“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.”
“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, said:
“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.”
“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 arrival of Fortescue Green Pioneer in the UK serves as a strong testament to the maritime sector’s ability to adapt to cleaner energy solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable future in global shipping.
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Source: GOV.UK
