The UK has welcomed the world's first dual-fuelled
ammonia-powered vessel to its shores, marking an important step
forward in maritime decarbonisation.
The Singapore-flagged vessel Fortescue Green Pioneer has arrived
in the UK to demonstrate the viability of ammonia as a
sustainable marine fuel. The vessel is the first of its kind,
powered by a four-stroke engine, two of which are capable of
being fuelled by ammonia and diesel.
Ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, has the potential to substantially
reduce greenhouse gas emissions when used for shipping. An
ammonia-powered vessel exemplifies how shipping can become more
sustainable, an ambitious but essential mission fully backed
by UK Government.
To support Fortescue Green Pioneer's time in the UK, the vessel
and team have been working closely with the Maritime and
Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure full compliance with UK
regulatory requirements.
Fortescue Green Pioneer has today docked at the Port of
Southampton, where Port State Control inspections will be
conducted by the MCA's Survey and Inspection team.
The vessel will then travel to West India Dock in London,
operated by Canal and River Trust, to showcase its technology and
capabilities to key maritime stakeholders, partners and the
public.
Maritime Minister said:
It's great to welcome this pioneering,
first-of-a-kind vessel to UK shores – this is exactly the
kind of innovation that will drive forward decarbonisation in the
shipping sector.
Through our UK SHORE programme, we are committed to
supporting the technology and alternative fuels needed to make
zero-emission shipping a reality and establishing the UK as a
clean energy superpower.
MCA Director of UK Customer Services Lars Lippuner said:
Decarbonisation in the maritime sector is a huge priority for the
UK and shipping, and Fortescue Green Pioneer successfully
demonstrates what a future of cleaner shipping could look like.
The MCA will conduct thorough inspections and checks to ensure
the vessel's safety and operational readiness for its onward
journey. It has been a pleasure working in collaboration with
Fortescue to bring this innovative vessel to Europe, and we are
excited that the shift to a more sustainable marine fuel and a
world's first is being showcased here in the UK.
Fortescue Executive Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest,
said:
We have brought the Fortescue Green Pioneer to the UK to deliver
a simple message: This vessel encapsulates the innovation and
character that has defined Fortescue's mission to lead the world
beyond fossil fuels.
Over the coming months, global shipping regulators at the
International Maritime Organization have the chance to fast-track
shipping's move away from dirty bunker fuel and embrace real zero
fuel standards. With the right character and leadership, they can
chart a course towards a more sustainable future for the planet
and advance a dramatic reduction in shipping costs through the
widespread adoption and scaling of renewable sources. This
opportunity cannot be missed.
BACKGROUND
- The MCA works with operators and Classification Societies to
regulate vessels using ammonia as a marine fuel, under the
International Maritime Organization's interim guidelines for
using ammonia as fuel. This should be used in conjunction with
the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other
Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). These guidelines can be used by
owners or operators wishing to build new vessels or convert
existing vessels to run on ammonia.
- The MCA is currently working with other member states at the
IMO to further develop the interim guidelines on the use of
ammonia as a fuel with the expectation of them being reviewed,
finalised and adopted into the main IGF code in the future.
- As part of the requirements, the IGF Code requires that an
Alternative Design Arrangement (ADA) is submitted to the
Administration to be notified to the IMO. Full guidance on the
ADA process is published in MSC Circular, MSC.1/Circ.1212, and
should be closely followed by owners and operators prior to
submission to the MCA as part of the plan approval process.
- Ammonia can be used in existing marine diesel engines by
carrying out appropriate modifications, which should be duly
approved by the relevant Classification Society and the flag
administration.
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