Fortescue Charters Up to 12 Ammonia-Capable Bulkers from CMB.TECH Maritime Activity Reports, Inc. June 22, 2026 (Credit: CMB.TECH) Australian mining company Fortescue has signed an agreement with Belgian shipping and cleantech group CMB.TECH to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable bulk carriers, stepping up efforts to decarbonize maritime transport and support the development of green ammonia as a marine fuel. Under the agreement, Fortescue will charter 12 Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels, each with a carrying capacity of 210,000 deadweight tonnes, from Bocimar, the dry bulk shipping arm of CMB.TECH. Up to three of the vessels will be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are expected to enter service by the end of 2026, while the remaining nine vessels will be built ammonia-ready and can be converted to run on ammonia in the future. The companies said that if the fleet is fueled with green ammonia, it could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 250,000 tonnes per year compared with vessels running on conventional marine fuels. The agreement marks another step in Fortescue's broader strategy to develop demand for green hydrogen and green ammonia, which the company sees as key fuels for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, including shipping. "Green ammonia is one of the clearest pathways to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from shipping, and these vessels represent a practical step towards that future,” said Katie Charuga, Fortescue Director Integrated Operations. Fortescue has already tested ammonia as a marine fuel through its Green Pioneer demonstration vessel, which became one of the first ocean-going vessels to operate using ammonia in dual-fuel mode. For CMB.TECH, the agreement represents another milestone in its efforts to accelerate the adoption of alternative marine fuels and commercialize ammonia-powered shipping. "This agreement marks an important step in showcasing ammonia as a viable marine fuel and advancing the transition to zero-emission shippin