Southampton Port welcomes Fortescue ammonia-powered vessel
The "world's first" dual-fuelled ammonia-powered vessel has arrived in the UK, docking at the Port of Southampton,.The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is conducting inspections on The Singapore-flagged vessel in the Hampshire port before it travels to West India Dock in London.The MCA said the vessel was the first of its kind, powered by a four-stroke engine, two of which are capable of being fuelled by ammonia and diesel.Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: "This is exactly the kind of innovation that will drive forward decarbonisation in the shipping sector."
Ammonia is a zero-carbon fuel and has the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions when used for shipping. The MCA said 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 MCA said the vessel and team have been working closely with it to ensure full compliance with UK regulation.
What would net-zero shipping look like?The fuel that could transform shipping
MCA director of UK customer services, Lars Lippuner, said Fortescue Green Pioneer "successfully demonstrates what a future of cleaner shipping could look like".Fortescue executive chairman and founder Dr Andrew Forrest said that opportunity "cannot be missed".He added: "Over the coming months, global shipping regulators at the International Maritime Organisation 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."After the inspections, the vessel will 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, the MCA said.
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