The bulk carrier Mineral Europa, described as the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier, has taken on certified green ammonia at Port Hedland in Western Australia. Fortescue, Pilbara Ports and CMB.TECH said it was Australia’s first green ammonia bunkering of an ammonia-powered bulk carrier, gCaptain reported on 5 November 2026.
Two-hour ship-to-ship transfer
- The 300-metre vessel is operated by CMB.TECH and chartered to Fortescue.
- The fuel was delivered from a bunker vessel in a ship-to-ship transfer that took about two hours and finished at 8:42 a.m. local time. The quantity was not disclosed.
- The ship then loaded iron ore bound for China.
- Planning covered vessel compatibility, ammonia dispersion modelling, emergency response and extra marine support. Port authorities said the operation went ahead only after safety requirements were met.
Fortescue chief executive Dino Otranto said industry had moved ahead of regulation to prove the technology. He added that policy certainty and long-term fuel purchase commitments were needed to support further investment in green ammonia.
Building on earlier trials
Fortescue’s Fortescue Green Pioneer completed ammonia propulsion trials in Singapore in 2024, and a ship-to-ship ammonia transfer trial was held at nearby Dampier in September 2024. Fortescue charters nine other CMB.TECH vessels that could later be converted to ammonia, and the two companies agreed earlier this year on up to 12 ammonia-capable bulk carriers. Pilbara Ports is studying a clean-fuel bunkering hub in the region.
Ammonia contains no carbon, but its emissions benefit depends on how it is produced and on controlling nitrous oxide. Its toxicity also poses challenges for operators, ports, suppliers and crews, making seafarer training a key issue as alternative fuels spread.
Source: gCaptain, 5 November 2026 (joint announcement by Fortescue, Pilbara Ports and CMB.TECH). Photo: file image of a bulk carrier at Port Hedland in 2012; not the Mineral Europa.
