Green Pioneer arrives in Belem ahead of COP30

The 75 m vessel has now visited three continents in 2025, following stops in London, Rotterdam, Monaco, Boston, and New York.

Fortescue’s Global Head of Marine Systems and Green Shipping, Andrew Hoare, said: “With every leg of its journey, the Green Pioneer is proving that ammonia isn’t just a fuel of the future – it’s a practical solution available today. The vessel is breaking down barriers and showing that ammonia can be used safely and effectively.”

“When we first launched the Green Pioneer, the rules of using ammonia as a fuel didn’t even exist. Today, those guidelines are in place, informed by real data and real operations. That’s a tangible contribution to global decarbonisation, not just a technical demonstration.”

During its global voyage, the Green Pioneer has achieved several milestones, including becoming the first vessel to sail on ammonia in international waters. This followed successful bunkering operations in the UK, Rotterdam and Boston, made possible through close collaboration with local authorities and partners.

In recognition of its work, the Green Pioneer was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025.

The adoption of ammonia is crucial in reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry, which today accounts for 3% of global emissions and its share is set to rise to 10% by 2040.

Fortescue is disappointed by the delay in adopting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Net-Zero Framework, a landmark proposal that would have set global shipping on a clear course toward decarbonisation. While some countries chose to defer progress, the direction of travel for shipping is already clear. The transition to zero-emission fuels is inevitable.

The Green Pioneer is at COP30 to show that the technologies to enable it already exist and Fortescue remains firmly committed to demonstrating what is possible through our own green shipping program. We will continue to work with governments, industry partners and international institutions to help accelerate the shift to Real Zero.

Connecting global innovation to Brazil’s green future

The Green Pioneer’s presence in Brazil underscores Fortescue’s commitment to advancing a green hydrogen and ammonia value chain across the country, particularly in the Northeast. With COP30 taking place in Belém, it also highlights the pivotal role Brazil can play in leading the global shift to green energy.

By demonstrating a real-world example of green ammonia as a marine fuel, Fortescue is showing how the development of a green ammonia industry can help Brazil strengthen its leadership in the global energy transition.

Fortescue’s Global Head of Marine Systems and Green Shipping, Andrew Hoare, commented: “Brazil is uniquely positioned to supply the fuels of the future, and the Green Pioneer shows how those fuels can be used safely, effectively and at scale.”

Fortescue in Brazil

Fortescue is developing the Pecém Project in Ceará – Brazil’s most advanced green hydrogen and ammonia initiative. With access to world-class renewable resources and strategic port infrastructure, Pecém could play a pivotal role in building a competitive green industry and supporting Brazil’s decarbonisation and reindustrialisation goals.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/04112025/green-pioneer-arrives-in-belem-ahead-of-cop30/