Australian mining giant BHP has taken a significant step toward greener maritime operations by chartering two newbuild Newcastlemax bulk carriers from COSCO Shipping Bulk, reads an official press release.
BHP charters newbuild COSCO ammonia bulk carrier pair
These 210,000-deadweight-ton vessels, set for delivery in 2028, are designed with ammonia dual-fuel capabilities and will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia. This initiative reflects BHP’s strategy to decarbonize its shipping supply chain and builds on its earlier goal of deploying ammonia-fueled vessels by 2026.
When powered by low- or zero-emission ammonia, these vessels are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% to 95% per voyage compared to traditional fuel-powered ships. The charters align with BHP’s commitment to having at least 10% of its seaborne cargo moved using zero-emission fuels by 2030. As part of the agreement, BHP and COSCO are collaborating on the development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure, recognizing that supply chain readiness is crucial for the success of alternative fuel transitions.
This partnership could pave the way for a new Australia–China Green Shipping Corridor, showcasing how major commodity producers and carriers can accelerate decarbonization through collective action. Although technological, regulatory, and fuel supply challenges remain, the deal sets an important precedent and sends a strong signal to the wider maritime industry to invest in scalable, clean shipping solutions.
These vessels are likely to become reference points for future ammonia-fueled bulk carrier operations, offering a glimpse into the evolving structure of global dry bulk logistics shaped by sustainability imperatives.
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Source: BHP
