Höegh Autoliners and Fortescue join forces at COP29 in pursuit of green shipping

The two companies collaborated at a decarbonization of shipping event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to jointly advocate for the global shipping industry to end reliance on dirty bunker fuel.

Fortescue and Höegh Autoliners have committed to working together to explore the technical and commercial requirements for a green ammonia supply chain for bunkering, from Fortescue’s proposed global portfolio of projects to Höegh Autoliners’ global bunkering.

They have long shared a strong commitment to reducing emissions in the shipping sector as members of the First Movers Coalition for Shipping. Both companies will also sign a Call to Action for an Equitable Energy Transition in Shipping, to be launched at COP29.

In March 2024, Fortescue made history in sustainable shipping when its Green Pioneer became the world’s first vessel to use ammonia as part of a marine fuel at the Port of Singapore.

The world’s most sustainable PCTC fleet

Höegh Autoliners, which operates the world’s most sustainable pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) fleet, recently launched a transformational green fleet renewal program – ordering 12 new multi-fuel-ready vessels designed for transportation of future cargo. The Aurora Class vessels have DNV’s “ammonia ready” notation, and the last 4 vessels in the series are planned to be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia propulsion.

The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars – and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems, she can carry Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks. Two of the Aurora Class vessels are already in commercial operations, cutting carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.

The alignment between Fortescue and Höegh Autoliners comes at a critical time for the future of international shipping, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) due to soon make key decisions on how it will reduce emissions in line with the level of ambition set out in its 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.

“Shipping is a global industry with a global regulator and today the industry is at a crossroads,” said Fortescue Energy CEO Mark Hutchinson.

“The ongoing IMO greenhouse gas reduction debate must result in a clear, robust regulatory framework.

There are so many transition fuels that are being peddled out there, but they are just a distraction. Only green ammonia can help us reduce carbon emissions in shipping and in turn can help us address the worst impacts of climate change.

We need early incentives for hydrogen derived fuels – specifically ammonia for 2030 – otherwise, we are kicking the can down the road and leaving too large a scale up for the 2040s.”

Making the impossible possible

CEO of Höegh Autoliners, Andreas Enger, said:

“Deep-sea transportation is the single most pollutive part of shipping, and accounts for 90 percent of all maritime emissions. Decarbonizing the deep-sea segment is imperative to achieve the International Maritime Organisation’s net zero by 2050 goal for a 1.5Caligned pathway.

Partnering with Fortescue is another milestone on our path to net zero. And a reiteration to our commitment to sailing for sustainability. With this partnership, we are removing carbon from one of the hardest-to-abate sectors, sending a strong demand signal for green ammonia down the value chain.

Together, we are making sustainable shipping doable, accelerating the green transition within our industry, and setting a whole new standard for deep-sea shipping.”

COO of Höegh Autoliners, Sebjørn Dahl, said:

“With our green fleet renewal program of 12 ammonia-ready Aurora Class vessels, the largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever built, and our commitment to ammonia as our fuel of choice, we are changing the game making significant strides toward our 2040 net-zero emissions goal. With Fortescue, we are making the impossible possible, actively changing the perception of deep-sea shipping and ensuring that we are ready to sail on green ammonia around the world from 2027.”

About Fortescue

Fortescue is the technology, energy and metals group accelerating the commercial decarbonisation of industry rapidly, profitably and globally. Our Metals business comprises our iron ore operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia as well as a pipeline of exploration projects globally in Africa, Latin America and Australia.

By 2030, we aim to have our Australian iron ore operations running on green energy, achieving Real Zero Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions. Our Energy business is building a global portfolio of renewable green hydrogen and green ammonia projects and developing green technology solutions.

As our business develops globally, our commitment to building thriving communities expands with us. Delivering positive social and economic change through training, employment and business development opportunities is a key focus.