Pilbara Ports marks Australia’s first green ammonia bunkering operation

Pilbara Ports on Tuesday (3 November) said it had completed Australia’s first green ammonia bunkering operation, supplying the alternative marine fuel to an ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier at the Port of Hedland.

Mineral Europa, the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel, received the certified green ammonia from a bunker vessel before entering port to be loaded with iron ore. 

The 300-metre Mineral Europa is on charter to Fortescue and will carry Fortescue iron ore to customers in China. 

Produced using renewable energy, green ammonia contains no carbon and enables low emission shipping by generating zero carbon dioxide emissions when used as a marine fuel, compared with conventional fuels. 

The trial demonstrated a practical pathway for safely refuelling ammonia-powered vessels in a live port environment, giving shipping a practical path to use green fuels. 

The operation brought together Pilbara Ports, Fortescue and CMB.TECH, with regulators and operational teams, to safely carry out the transfer in a live port environment. 

It builds on the world-first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer completed at the Port of Dampier in 2024 and strengthens Pilbara Ports Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub vision, which is exploring the establishment of Australia’s first clean fuel bunkering hub in the Pilbara.

The trial was completed in two hours and confirmed successful at 8.42am AWST on Monday 2 November 2026.

In addition to Mineral Europa, Fortescue charters another nine CMB.TECH vessels that can be converted to run on ammonia in the future. 

Insights from the Port Hedland trial will now be reviewed to inform future ammonia bunkering operations and support the next phase of the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub initiative.

Samuel McSkimming, Chief Executive Officer, Pilbara Ports, said: “Together with Fortescue and CMB.TECH, we have shown that ammonia bunkering can be safely planned and delivered in one of the world’s largest bulk export ports through rigorous preparation, strong partnerships and an unwavering focus on safety.”

“The Pilbara has the scale, location and capability to play a leading role in the future of clean fuel bunkering. The insights gained from this trial will help guide the next phase of development and further position Western Australia and the Pilbara at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation.” 

Photo credit: Pilbara Ports
Published: 4 November, 2026