Fortescue and China Cosco Collaborate on Green Shipping for Zero-Emission Iron Ore Transport
Key Ideas
  • Fortescue partners with China Cosco to build green ammonia-powered bulkers for emission-free iron ore transportation, a significant step in decarbonizing the shipping industry.
  • Fortescue aims to achieve net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040 and eliminate Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, with a focus on collaboration with China for decarbonization.
  • The company plans a green iron supply chain from Australia to China, producing green iron metal using renewable power and green hydrogen to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Despite withdrawing from certain green hydrogen production plans due to cost concerns, Fortescue's innovative green-tech initiatives and partnerships reflect a positive outlook on sustainable practices.
China Cosco, the world's largest shipowner, has entered into a partnership with Australian mining giant Fortescue to construct a new fleet of bulk carriers fueled by green ammonia. This initiative aims to facilitate the emission-free transportation of Fortescue's iron ore to China, a critical market. Fortescue, committed to decarbonizing its operations, sees this collaboration as a significant advancement for the shipping industry's sustainability efforts. The companies plan to leverage green ammonia-powered vessels to achieve Fortescue's ambitious goals of achieving net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040 and eliminating Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. The partnership also aligns with Fortescue's vision for a green iron supply chain, involving processing ore in Australia with renewable power and green hydrogen before exporting green iron metal to China. By executing this plan, Fortescue aims to reduce over 200 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually while supplying China with 100 million tonnes of green iron metal each year. Despite facing challenges such as rising costs of green electric power, Fortescue remains dedicated to its sustainability objectives. Fortescue's recent collaboration with China extends beyond green shipping to include showcasing green technologies such as zero-emission locomotives, hydrogen-powered trucks, and ammonia-fueled engines at its green-tech test center in Perth. While the company has adjusted certain green hydrogen production plans due to cost considerations, its continued focus on innovative green initiatives highlights a positive sentiment toward sustainable practices. Despite a temporary stock price decline following an investor's $1.2 billion share sale, Fortescue's commitment to decarbonization and strategic partnerships positions it as a key player in the global shift toward environmentally friendly operations.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.