For over one year, Anglo-Eastern has been the proud ship manager of Fortescue’s Green Pioneer – the world’s first operational ammonia-fuelled demonstration vessel. Since June 2024, the vessel has embarked on a global tour across Asia, Europe, and the United States, raising awareness of ammonia as a viable marine fuel and contributing to the development of international regulations.
Fortescue’s Green Pioneer represents a landmark achievement in maritime decarbonisation and is a testament to Fortescue’s pioneering green shipping solutions. Acquired by the company in 2022, the 75-metre platform supply vessel was converted in Singapore to run two of its four engines on ammonia, an innovation overseen by Fortescue’s research and marine technology teams. Their direct involvement encompassed land-based engine testing in Australia, collaborative safety preparations with international partners, and high-profile demonstrations of the ship’s capabilities at global climate forums and major ports worldwide.
The Green Pioneer’s landmark voyages, including the first ammonia sea trials, have significantly advanced regulatory understanding and industry adoption of ammonia fuels, all while aligning directly with Fortescue’s corporate mission to decarbonise supply chains and show the world that practical, scalable solutions for zero-carbon shipping are within reach.
As her technical manager, Anglo-Eastern has played a critical role in ensuring the vessel’s safe and efficient operations. Our crew underwent specialised training equipping them with the skills to operate the vessel using ammonia fuel. This included the successful completion of several gas-in and gas-free operations.
The Green Pioneer has been showcased at major ports including Southampton – where ammonia was burned in-port – London (Canary Wharf and alongside HMS Belfast), Rotterdam, Nice, Villefranche, Monaco, and New York’s Pier 36 during UNGA 80. Operational voyages on ammonia have included Southampton, Rotterdam to Algeciras, and bunkering in Boston, USA – where our crew worked closely with the US Coast Guard to achieve this notable collaboration and milestone.
The vessel was in Belem where she showcased during the COP30 event, the 30th meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP). One of the key global challenges is decarbonising sectors like shipping, bunkering, and maritime transport.
COP30 will continue to shape global frameworks and may influence regulation, finance, and standards that affect shipping. The Anglo-Eastern crew have almost become celebrities in Brazil as the vessel was moored at one of the most prominent places in Belem and they have been eagerly answering the enquiries of the many members of public who pass the vessel every day.
