Fortescue and CMB.TECH will deploy 12 ammonia-capable bulk carriers, advancing green ammonia adoption and reducing maritime carbon emissions significantly.
CMB.TECH NV and Fortescue have entered into a landmark agreement to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable maritime transportation through the deployment of ammonia-capable bulk carriers. The partnership involves the long-term charter of up to 12 Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels, each with a carrying capacity of approximately 210,000 deadweight tonnes (dwt), from Bocimar, the dry bulk shipping division of CMB.TECH. The agreement represents a major milestone in the shipping industry’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of ammonia as a next-generation carbon-free marine fuel.
As part of the agreement, three of the 12 Newcastlemax vessels will be delivered with advanced dual-fuel engines capable of operating on both conventional marine fuels and ammonia. These vessels are expected to commence operations by the end of 2026, demonstrating the immediate application of ammonia-based propulsion technology in large-scale commercial shipping. The remaining nine vessels will be constructed as ammonia-ready ships, allowing them to be retrofitted with ammonia engines in the future as fuel infrastructure, technology, and global availability of green ammonia continue to expand.
The adoption of green ammonia as a marine fuel has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the shipping sector. According to estimates, if the entire fleet operates using green ammonia, the vessels could collectively lower carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 250,000 tonnes annually compared with traditional fossil-based marine fuels. This reduction highlights the significant role that alternative fuels can play in supporting the maritime industry’s broader decarbonisation goals and international climate commitments.
Katie Charuga, Director of Integrated Operations at Fortescue, emphasized that the global shipping industry must move beyond discussions and take practical steps toward reducing emissions. She stated that green ammonia offers one of the most promising and realistic pathways for cutting carbon emissions from ocean transport. The agreement with CMB.TECH reflects Fortescue’s commitment to investing in innovative technologies and collaborating with partners who are actively working toward a zero-emission shipping future.
Charuga further highlighted the success of Fortescue’s Green Pioneer demonstration vessel, which has already proven that ammonia can be used safely and effectively in maritime operations. She noted that the next major challenge is scaling this technology across commercial fleets. Through the investment in ammonia-capable bulk carriers, Fortescue aims to stimulate demand for green ammonia, encourage further development of supporting infrastructure, and accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuel technologies throughout the shipping industry.
Alexander Saverys, Chief Executive Officer of CMB.TECH, stated that the company’s long-standing relationship with Fortescue, spanning more than two decades through Bocimar, is built on mutual trust, shared sustainability ambitions, and a commitment to transforming maritime transport. He described the agreement as a strong demonstration that ammonia can become a commercially viable and effective fuel solution for the global shipping industry.
Saverys also stressed that the collaboration sends a powerful message to the maritime sector at a time when questions remain about the speed and feasibility of shipping decarbonisation. According to him, large-scale emission reductions are achievable when industry leaders are willing to invest in innovative technologies and form partnerships focused on practical implementation rather than future promises.
Overall, the Fortescue-CMB.TECH agreement marks a significant advancement in the development of zero-emission shipping. By combining ammonia-capable vessel technology with the future supply of green ammonia fuel, the partnership aims to accelerate the transformation of global maritime logistics and contribute to a more sustainable, low-carbon shipping industry.
The agreement between Fortescue and CMB.TECH to deploy 12 ammonia-capable Newcastlemax bulk carriers is expected to have a positive long-term impact on the green ammonia value chain and the broader maritime fuel market. The move strengthens confidence in ammonia as a viable zero-carbon shipping fuel and is likely to accelerate investments in green ammonia production, storage infrastructure, and related technologies. Increased adoption of ammonia-powered vessels could create a new demand segment beyond its traditional applications in fertilizers and industrial chemicals.
From a market perspective, the immediate impact on conventional ammonia prices tracked by ChemAnalyst is expected to remain limited, as the vessels will gradually enter service from 2026 onward and large-scale green ammonia consumption will take time to develop. However, in the medium to long term, rising demand from the shipping sector could tighten global ammonia supply, particularly for low-carbon and renewable ammonia grades, leading to upward pressure on green ammonia prices.
For conventional ammonia, the impact may vary depending on regional supply-demand balances and natural gas feedstock costs. Increased investment in ammonia production capacity could stabilize supply over time, but growing competition between fertilizer, industrial, and marine fuel sectors may support a stronger price outlook. Overall, this development is considered bullish for the ammonia market, especially for green ammonia, while the broader chemical commodities tracked by ChemAnalyst are expected to experience minimal short-term price fluctuations.
