COSCO Shipping Bulk and BHP ink deal for ammonia dual-fuelled ships

The vessels will be delivered starting 2028.

BHP and COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd. have inked a deal for the development of two 210,000 deadweight tonnage ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

In a joint statement, the companies said the two vessels will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The vessels are expected to be delivered from 2028.

The deal is also seen to contribute in BHP’s commitment as part of the First Movers Coalition, that by 2030, 10% of its total products shipped to its customers will be shipped using zero GHG emissions fuels.

“As one of the world’s largest dry bulk charterers, BHP sees this as an opportunity to help establish a pathway for ammonia to be a marine fuel for a globally significant industry where emissions can be difficult to abate,” said BHP Vice President Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence Emma Roberts.