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Shipping Must Set a Course for Zero Emissions

Shipping is one of the world's biggest and fastest-growing sources of carbon emissions, responsible for around 3% of global emissions today — roughly 1 billion tonnes every year. That's expected to rise to 8% by 2050.

Climate change already affects our daily lives, from extreme weather to rising prices and food scarcity. To avoid locking in decades of pollution, we need to switch to energy which doesn't destroy the planet. 

Through world-first technology and active engagement with policymakers, we're helping chart the course to a green energy revolution. 

The Green Pioneer: A Beacon of Change

The Green Pioneer is the world's first ammonia dual-fuel vessel, a demonstration vessel within our broader system for zero-emission shipping.

This 75-metre ship has been converted to operate with ammonia as a dual fuel, providing a practical pathway to reduce and ultimately eliminate fossil fuel use in maritime operations.

By integrating vessel technology, fuel systems and supporting infrastructure, it enables real-world deployment, crew training and system testing. The Green Pioneer allows us to validate how these elements work together in practice and accelerate the transition from concept to commercial deployment.
 

Fuelling the Future of Shipping

The Green Pioneer forms part of a broader system we are developing to enable zero-emissions shipping, bringing together vessels, fuel, infrastructure and regulation.

A World First

The Green Pioneer is partly fuelled by ammonia: a zero-emission fuel which is scalable and energy-dense, made using renewable electricity and hydrogen. Developed in close partnership with industry leaders, the Green Pioneer has achieved major milestones in clean propulsion, safety, crew training, and fuel transfer.

This is part of our exciting journey to transition our fleet to low and zero-emissions vessels, and to help accelerate the adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel around the globe.

  • Historic Milestone

    Successfully completed the first ammonia fuel transfer in March 2024 in Singapore.

  • Engine Innovation

    Two of four engines were converted to run on a dual-fuel ammonia and diesel mix, with conversion undertaken in Seatrium Shipyard’s Benoi facility in Singapore.

  • Future-Ready

    Validated the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, spearheading the development of an ammonia fuel market from Fortescue’s and other global hydrogen projects.

  • Industry Leadership

    Developed in collaboration with the classification society DNV and the Singapore flag in just two years, as a demonstration of what could be possible for the industry.

The Green Corridor, Towards Zero Carbon Shipping

In April, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) made a historic carbon pricing agreement, laying out new rules to guide global shipping towards zero emissions by 2050. This was a major step toward protecting our oceans and meeting global climate goals.

But these rules aren’t set in stone yet. When the member states meet again in October, they need to officially approve the plan and agree on detailed steps to make it work.

We’ve set out four clear, practical recommendations to help guide this transition and create real, lasting change for our planet.

Read the report

What Needs to Happen Next?

There are four essential actions to make the IMO's Net Zero framework a reality

The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) is making a historic regulatory shift, setting course for zero emissions shipping by 2050. 

By setting a fuel standard and introducing carbon pricing, the IMO is steering the industry away from polluting bunker fuel toward clean, renewable energy. Now, these measures must be formally adopted and backed by strong leadership.

Together, we can set course for a green energy revolution at sea. Here's how.

  • Maintain Momentum and Expand the Coalition

    Reinforce global alignment and bring more countries, industry leaders and civil society into the fold to secure formal adoption in October.

  • Credibly Report All Emissions

    Develop and enforce full lifecycle emissions accounting for all fuels, including methane leaks and carbon capture verification, to prevent greenwashing.

  • Ensure a Sustainable Transition

    Apply robust sustainability standards to all fuels, including biofuels, to protect food security, ecosystems and human rights.

  • Ensure a Just and Equitable Transition

    Channel transparent, targeted funding to developing countries and small island states through the IMO Net Zero Fund.

News from the bridge

Learn more about what our Green Pioneer is up to around the world.