The maritime industry has achieved another key milestone in its transition toward cleaner energy, with the bulk carrier Mineral Europa completing a green ammonia bunkering trial at Australia’s Port Hedland on 2 November. The operation, in partnership with Pilbara Ports, Fortescue and CMB. TECH, took about two hours, according to a joint statement issued by the three companies.

The first bulk carrier to conduct such a bunkering operation was the 209,000-dwt vessel, which is chartered by Fortescue for the transport of iron ore from Western Australia to China. But the firms did not say how much green ammonia was loaded into the ship's fuel tanks for the test.

The operation required co-operation between port authorities, industry partners, regulators and operational teams to ensure the fuel transfer could be carried out safely under real operating conditions. The successful completion of the trial demonstrates the importance of preparation, coordination and strict safety procedures when bringing alternative fuels into major commercial ports.

Port Hedland shows ammonia bunkering readiness

“This trial is an important step for Pilbara Ports in terms of our ambition to incorporate alternative marine fuels into bulk export operations at scale.

The collaboration between the organizations involved was significant, Pilbara Ports Chief Executive Officer Samuel McSkimming said.

“This initiative is a demonstration of how ammonia bunkering can be planned and executed safely in one of the world’s largest bulk export ports, built off the back of rigorous preparation, strong partnerships and an uncompromising commitment to safety,” he said.

The successful operation also offers practical evidence that major shipping hubs can begin adapting their infrastructure and procedures to accommodate emerging low-carbon fuels.

Fortescue advances plans for ammonia-powered shipping

Fortescue has been a major player in the development of ammonia as an alternative fuel for shipping. The miner has already carried out bunkering trials with its demonstration vessel, the Fortescue Pioneer, as part of its drive to make ammonia a viable solution to cut emissions from shipping.

Its commitment goes beyond the initial demonstration. Fortescue is also chartering nine other vessels from CMB.TECH, which could be converted to ammonia fuel in the future.

For Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer Dino Otranto, the latest trial brings the company’s ammonia development program directly to the Pilbara.

“The operation is an important step toward supplying Fortescue’s vessels with ammonia produced locally in Australia using the company’s own renewable energy,” he said.

Otranto also stressed that green ammonia bunkering is no longer a future concept. The Port Hedland demonstration proved the fuel can be transferred safely and at scale within a major bulk export facility, addressing one of the longstanding concerns that has slowed the industry’s adoption of ammonia.

CMB.TECH: A watershed moment for maritime decarbonization

CMB.TECH also considers the successful operation proof that the transition toward lower-emission shipping is moving from theoretical ambitions to practical implementation.

“The trial showed that decarbonizing maritime transport is no longer a distant goal but a process that is already taking place,” said Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH.

He also cited the pioneering role played by Mineral Europa, and expressed confidence that more vessels able to operate with ammonia will follow in the coming months and years.

So the Port Hedland trial is not just a technical achievement in isolation. It is a prime example of how shipowners, energy producers, mining companies and port operators can collaborate to develop the infrastructure and operational capabilities required for alternative marine fuels.

The operation could help speed up the development of ammonia bunkering across the global shipping industry, with Fortescue pursuing locally produced green ammonia and CMB.TECH expanding its fleet of vessels with ammonia capabilities.