BHP has signed five-year charter contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk for two ammonia dual-fuelled newcastlemax bulk carriers.
The two 210,000 dwt vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.
BHP vice president of maritime and supply chain excellence, Emma Roberts, said: “We believe this investment will help to build momentum in the technology, strengthen the demand for ammonia as a marine fuel, and support the reduction of greenhouse emissions in the maritime value chain. 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.”
COSCO Shipping vice president, Ji Lin, said: “Ammonia is one of the most promising marine fuels with zero-carbon potential. These vessels will stand at the forefront of technological and environmental advancement—not just for COSCO Shipping and BHP, but for the broader dry bulk sector. They represent a firm commitment to supporting the global climate and Chinese dual-carbon goal.”
