In a first for Australia, green ammonia has been transferred to an ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier at the Port of Port Hedland, marking a major step towards low-emission shipping.
Mineral Europa, the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel, received the certified green ammonia from a bunker vessel before entering port to be loaded with iron ore.
The 300-metre Mineral Europa is on charter to Fortescue and will carry Fortescue iron ore to customers in China.
Produced using renewable energy, green ammonia contains no carbon and enables low emission shipping by generating zero carbon dioxide emissions when used as a marine fuel, compared with conventional fuels.
The trial demonstrated a practical pathway for safely refuelling ammonia-powered vessels in a live port environment, giving shipping a practical path to use green fuels.
The operation brought together Pilbara Ports, Fortescue and CMB.TECH, with regulators and operational teams, to safely carry out the transfer in a live port environment.
It builds on the world-first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer completed at the Port of Dampier in 2024 and strengthens Pilbara Ports Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub vision, which is exploring the establishment of Australia’s first clean fuel bunkering hub in the Pilbara.
Safety at the centre of the trial
Extensive planning and risk management underpinned the operation, including hazard and risk assessments, ship-to-ship compatibility studies, ammonia dispersion modelling, emergency response planning, vessel vetting, pilotage and towage arrangements, and dedicated procedures for safe execution of the transfer.
The transfer was conducted within a controlled framework taking into account weather and sea-state operating limits, additional marine support, vessel traffic management measures and vessel readiness requirements.
The trial proceeded only after all safety and operational requirements were confirmed as satisfactory.
The trial was completed in two hours and confirmed successful at 8.42am AWST on Monday 2 November 2026.
Positioning the Pilbara for clean shipping
With shipping responsible for around three per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, scaling safe and practical low-emission fuel solutions is critical to the maritime sector’s decarbonisation journey.
Fortescue has helped push green ammonia shipping from ambition towards reality, using its Green Pioneer vessel to demonstrate the technology and build momentum for lower emissions maritime fuels. The Green Pioneer is currently in Antigua, where it will continue building that momentum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
In addition to Mineral Europa, Fortescue charters another nine CMB.TECH vessels that can be converted to run on ammonia in the future.
Insights from the Port Hedland trial will now be reviewed to inform future ammonia bunkering operations and support the next phase of the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub initiative.
Samuel McSkimming, Chief Executive Officer, Pilbara Ports
“This successful trial shows what can be achieved when industry works together with a shared commitment to safety, innovation and decarbonisation,” Mr McSkimming said.
“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.”
“The Pilbara has the scale, location and capability to play a leading role in the future of clean fuel bunkering. The insights gained from this trial will help guide the next phase of development and further position Western Australia and the Pilbara at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation.”
Dino Otranto, Chief Executive Officer, Fortescue Metals
“Global shipping emits close to one billion tonnes of greenhouse gases each year, and the global merchant fleet comprises more than 100,000 vessels. Those emissions will keep increasing unless the industry changes the fuel it runs on.
“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. We’ve taken it around the world to demonstrate what’s possible and make the case for stronger international rules to cut shipping greenhouse gas emissions. This trial brings that work home to the Pilbara and marks a significant step towards bunkering Fortescue’s vessels with ammonia we produce here in Australia, using our own renewable energy.
“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. Industry has moved ahead of regulation to prove the technology. What’s needed now is policy certainty and long-term offtake to unlock demand, de-risk investment and move green ammonia projects forward, building the full supply chain from renewables all the way to the ship’s tank.”
Alexander Saverys, Chief Executive Officer, CMB.TECH
“Today marks another defining moment for CMB.TECH, Fortescue, Pilbara Ports and for the shipping industry in general with a successful bunkering trial in Port Hedland.
“We are proving that decarbonising shipping is no longer a distant ambition. It is happening today. Mineral Europa is the first vessel of its kind, but many more will follow in the months and years ahead.
“The need to decarbonise shipping and strengthen energy independence has never been greater. Our technology and our ships are a game changer for the industry. We are pleased to work closely together with our partners Fortescue and Pilbara Ports to make the impossible possible.”
