Fortescue completes propulsion, manoeuvrability trials for ammonia-powered vessel

The tests ran for 10 days using ammonia, diesel, and HVO as fuel.

Fortescue announced the successful completion of its propulsion and manoeuvrability trials for its Fortescue Green Pioneer in the Port of Singapore. 

The tests were conducted for 10 days from 23 April to 2 May. Marine fuel used was 6.4 cubic metres (4.4 tonnes) of liquid ammonia, combined with diesel and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), a second-generation biofuel.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) secured an area along Raffles Reserved Anchorage for the tests.

“This set of trials can be enhanced to support the sea trials of planned ammonia-fuelled vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships prior to delivery if required,” authorities said in a statement.

Aside from propulsion and manoeuvrability, the tests also validated the management of nitrogen-based emissions and assessed Fortescue Green Pioneer’s engine capability to operate on varying amounts of HVO in combination with ammonia. 

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Prior to this, Fortescue Green Pioneer completed the first-ever dual-fuelled ammonia fuel trial in March. The vessel received approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS), and the “Gas Fuelled Ammonia” notation by the classification society DNV to use ammonia, in combination with diesel, as a marine fuel. 

The approval and notation were awarded following a seven-week trial in February and March using five cubic metres (three tonnes) of liquid ammonia. These involved testing of the vessel’s ammonia storage systems, associated piping, gas fuel delivery system, retrofitted engines, and seaworthiness. 

To enhance maritime cybersecurity, the MPA said it is also discussing with Fortescue the monitoring of info-comm technology and operational technology systems onboard the Green Pioneer to develop the resilience of vessels with alternative fuels against cyber threats.