FMG goes to New York

Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) Green Pioneer, has sailed to New York for the world’s largest annual climate event — Climate Week NYC. 

The 75m dual fuel ammonia-powered vessel is docked on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, marking the latest stop on its 2025 global tour to accelerate the adoption of green ammonia as a marine fuel. 

The Green Pioneer recently completed operations at the Port of Boston, where the Fortescue team worked closely with the US Coast Guard to secure approval for ammonia bunkering. This was successfully executed at the Boston anchorage and set an important precedent for US port readiness and preparation for ammonia-fuelled vessels. 

Further ammonia trials and research were carried out offshore, demonstrating and validating the vessel’s systems and operating protocols under real-world ocean conditions. 

Climate Week NYC has become one of the focal points for global climate dialogue, showcasing bold action and practical solutions for a future without fossil fuels. 

Fortescue has been an active voice in shaping the debate, advocating for strong policy measures to drive real emissions cuts, and is now advancing shipping technologies to help decarbonise global trade. 

The Green Pioneer’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the shipping industry, with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) scheduled to adopt new emissions reduction regulations in October. 

Key measures of the IMO’s proposed net-zero framework — due for adoption in 2025 and expected to come into force around 2027 — include: 

• A global greenhouse gas pricing mechanism to put a cost on carbon 

• A fuel standard requiring ships to progressively lower their greenhouse gas intensity 

• Support for an equitable transition, particularly for developing countries 

Fortescue founder and executive chairman Dr Andrew Forrest says the company has brought the Green Pioneer to New York to send a clear message — the technology to help decarbonise shipping exists today.

“While world leaders gather for Climate Week and the UN General Assembly, we will be on the East River showing that green ammonia is not a theory but a fuel that can help power the world’s ships while reducing carbon emissions,” he said. 

“[The US] has a golden opportunity to lead the green energy revolution — to attract investment, create thousands of new jobs and set the global standard.” 

Earlier this month the US reportedly put IMO member countries on notice that they should reject the IMO’s draft package of shipping rules, arguing the IMO’s proposed measures would overburden shipping while doing little to cut emissions. 

“China is already moving at pace, and if I were the US I wouldn’t leave it to one of my fiercest competitors to shape the future of this industry,” Dr Forrest said. 

“Threatening the world with tariffs and sanctions to block climate action is economic bullying dressed up as policy. History will record it as reckless self-interest that endangered our children’s future.  

“The IMO must hold its nerve and adopt the net-zero framework without delay. Industry is ready — what we need now is political courage.”