Fortescue and CMB.TECH Ink Major Deal for Up to 12 Ammonia-Capable Newcastlemax Bulkers

## Fortescue and CMB.TECH Ink Major Deal for Up to 12 Ammonia-Capable Newcastlemax Bulkers Australian mining and green energy giant Fortescue has signed a significant charter agreement with Belgian shipping group CMB.TECH covering up to 12 ammonia-capable Newcastlemax bulk carriers, according to gCaptain. The deal represents one of the largest commercial commitments yet made to ammonia as a marine fuel and signals growing momentum behind alternative propulsion technologies in the dry bulk shipping segment. Newcastlemax vessels, the largest bulk carriers capable of transiting Newcastle harbour in Australia, are a natural fit for Fortescue's iron ore export operations. By specifying ammonia-capable propulsion, the agreement aligns with Fortescue's broader corporate strategy to decarbonise its shipping supply chain — a key pillar of founder Andrew Forrest's green hydrogen and ammonia ambitions. CMB.TECH, the technology and alternative fuels division of the Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) group, has positioned itself as a leading proponent of hydrogen and ammonia propulsion systems. The company has been actively developing dual-fuel ammonia engine technology and building a portfolio of ammonia-ready newbuildings across multiple vessel classes. The scale of the agreement — up to 12 vessels — is notable in an industry where ammonia-fuelled ships remain largely at the demonstration or early commercial stage. A commitment of this size from a major commodity shipper like Fortescue is likely to provide a meaningful demand signal to shipyards, engine manufacturers, and ammonia bunkering infrastructure developers. Ammonia is widely regarded as one of the most promising zero-carbon marine fuels due to its high energy density and the absence of carbon in its molecular structure. However, challenges around toxicity, handling safety, and the current limited availability of bunkering infrastructure have slowed large-scale commercial adoption. Deals of this nature are seen as critical to building the business case for investment across the ammonia supply chain. The agreement underscores a broader trend of resource and commodity companies taking a more active role in shaping the decarbonisation of their maritime logistics, rather than leaving fuel transition decisions solely to shipowners and operators. Further details on vessel delivery schedules, shipyard selection, and charter terms had not been publicly disclosed at the time of reporting, according to gCaptain.