Fortescue Green Pioneer, the world's first dual-fueled ammonia-powered vessel, has made a historic arrival in London as part of its global tour to accelerate the maritime industry’s transition to green fuels. The vessel docked at Canary Wharf ahead of a major gathering of global business leaders, hosted by His Majesty The King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and Fortescue.

The 75-meter vessel began its journey from Singapore in January and recently spent six days in the Port of Southampton. During its stay, it demonstrated the functionality of its ammonia-powered engines and successfully passed the UK’s first-ever Port State Control inspection for an ammonia-fueled vessel. This clearance allowed it to continue its tour, highlighting the feasibility of green ammonia as a marine fuel alternative.

Fortescue Green Pioneer’s UK visit comes at a critical time for the future of global shipping. The UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to consider what could be the most transformative regulatory shift in shipping history. Key meetings in April 2025 will determine whether a global carbon levy will be introduced. The IMO’s mid-term measures will establish legally binding emission reduction targets, ensuring the sector meets its 2030 and 2040 goals on the path to full decarbonization by 2050. No other industry has committed to such an ambitious transformation.

At the Terra Carta Roundtable & Exhibition, an event marking the SMI’s five-year anniversary at Hampton Court Palace on March 10-11, Fortescue Executive Chairman and Founder Andrew Forrest led a tour of the vessel for leading CEOs and VIP guests. He emphasized the urgency of adopting zero-emission fuels like green ammonia while rejecting transitional alternatives such as biofuels and LNG.

“As the IMO deliberates on its next steps, Fortescue Green Pioneer will continue its global journey, visiting key ports to encourage the rapid development of ammonia fueling infrastructure,” said Forrest. “We must act with courage and leadership to fast-track shipping’s transition to green fuels. Delaying with so-called transitional fuels will only hinder progress toward a world free of fossil fuel dependency.”

The ship made history in March 2024 when it successfully completed the world’s first dual-fueled ammonia fuel load and trial at the Port of Singapore. It received flag approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships and was granted a "Gas Fueled Ammonia" notation by classification society DNV, marking a milestone in its journey toward commercial viability.

Further validation came in December 2024, when the IMO Maritime Safety Committee approved interim guidelines for ammonia fuel use onboard vessels. This was a key regulatory step in establishing ammonia as a safe and scalable alternative for decarbonizing global shipping.

As the Fortescue Green Pioneer continues its voyage, its mission remains clear: to showcase ammonia’s potential as the future of marine fuel and to push industry leaders toward decisive action in the fight against climate change.