Green ammonia fuel has been transferred to an ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel at the Port of Port Hedland, a first for Australia and set to pave the way for low-emission global shipping.
The world-first transfer saw the 300-metre bulk carrier Mineral Europa receive certified green ammonia from a dedicated bunker vessel before loading iron ore destined for China.
Chartered by Fortescue and built in partnership with CMB.TECH, the vessel relies on green ammonia produced from renewable energy. Because green ammonia contains no carbon, it emits zero carbon dioxide when combusted, presenting a clean alternative to traditional heavy fuel oils.
The two-hour transfer was completed on 2 November. The trial was the result of extensive collaboration between Pilbara Ports, Fortescue, CMB.TECH, maritime regulators, and operational crews.
To ensure safety in the live port environment, teams carried out comprehensive hazard assessments, ship compatibility studies, dispersion modelling, and emergency planning within strict weather and sea-state limits.
With global commercial shipping responsible for roughly 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, maritime leaders view the trial as a vital breakthrough.
“This successful trial shows what can be achieved when industry works together with a shared commitment to safety, innovation and decarbonisation,” said Pilbara Ports CEO Samuel McSkimming.
“Together with Fortescue and CMB.TECH, we have shown that ammonia bunkering can be safely planned and delivered in one of the world’s largest bulk export ports through rigorous preparation, strong partnerships and an unwavering focus on safety.”
Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto said the operation proves green ammonia bunkering is feasible at scale right now, addressing long-standing industry doubts.
“Fortescue has been working to make that change possible. We built the Green Pioneer to show that ammonia can be used as a marine fuel,” the CEO said.
“It demonstrates that green ammonia bunkering is not a future concept. Green ammonia can be bunkered safely, at scale at one of the world’s great bulk export ports, addressing a concern that has held the industry back for years.”
He urged policymakers to deliver regulatory certainty and long-term support to unlock full commercial demand across the supply chain.
Echoing this sentiment, CMB.TECH CEO Alexander Saverys described the event as a defining moment, confirming that zero-emission bulk shipping is no longer a distant ambition but an active reality.
Building on a prior ship-to-ship transfer in Dampier, the operation reinforces Pilbara Ports’ vision to establish Australia’s first dedicated clean fuel bunkering hub in the region.