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The Green Pioneer

We are developing a system to eliminate fossil fuels from shipping, bringing together fuel, technology and infrastructure to show how zero-emissions shipping can work in practice. 
 

The challenge

Shipping must set a course for zero emissions

Shipping is one of the world's biggest and fastest-growing sources of carbon emissions, responsible for around 3% of global emissions today - roughly 1 billion tonnes every year. That's expected to rise to 8% by 2050.

Climate change already affects our daily lives, from extreme weather to rising prices and food scarcity. Reducing emissions from the sector requires more than a single solution. It requires new fuels, new infrastructure and globally aligned regulation.

We are working to address this through the development of zero-emissions fuels, vessels and supporting infrastructure. 

The Green Pioneer: A Beacon of Change

The Green Pioneer is the world's first ammonia dual-fuel vessel, a demonstration vessel within our broader system for zero-emission shipping.

This 75-metre ship has been converted to operate with ammonia as a dual fuel, providing a practical pathway to reduce and ultimately eliminate fossil fuel use in maritime operations.

By integrating vessel technology, fuel systems and supporting infrastructure, it enables real-world deployment, crew training and system testing.

The Green Pioneer allows us to validate how these elements work together in practice and accelerate the transition from concept to commercial deployment. 

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Fuelling the Future of Shipping

The Green Pioneer forms part of a broader system we are developing to enable zero-emissions shipping, bringing together vessels, fuel, infrastructure and regulation. 

Recognised as a TIME Best Invention

The Green Pioneer was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 for its role in advancing zero-emissions shipping.

Read the article

Ammonia as a fuel 

Ammonia is a zero-emissions fuel with strong potential for long-distance shipping.

Unlike fossil fuels, it can be produced using renewable energy and used without carbon emissions at the point of use.

Through the Green Pioneer, we have demonstrated how ammonia can be safely integrated into maritime operations alongside the necessary systems and infrastructure. We are now deploying this technology across our iron ore shipping fleet. 

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What Needs to Happen Next?

Setting the pathway to zero-emissions shipping 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) sets the global rules for shipping.

In April 2025, IMO Member States agreed in principle on the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including a global fuel standard and carbon pricing mechanism to support the transition to zero-emissions shipping by 2050.

Formal adoption was expected in October 2025, but the decision was deferred. MEPC 84, convening in London from 27 April to 1 May 2026, is now considering the way forward, including the supporting guidelines needed for implementation ahead of a further adoption decision expected in October 2026.

If adopted, these measures would provide the certainty needed to unlock investment, build supply chains and reduce the cost of zero-emissions shipping.

We have identified four practical actions to help enable this transition.

  • Build Global Alignment

    Strengthen global alignment and bring together governments, industry and partners to support formal adoption and implementation of IMO measures.

  • Measure and Report Emissions

    Establish clear and consistent reporting of emissions across all fuels to support transparency, accountability and effective regulation.

  • Scale Zero-Emissions Fuels

    Apply robust standards and accelerate the supply of zero-emissions fuels to support long-term, sustainable deployment.

  • Support a Just Transition

    Direct targeted funding to developing countries and small island states to support equitable access to zero-emissions shipping.

A Global Opportunity

Many regions already have the capability, infrastructure and expertise to support the adoption of new fuel systems such as ammonia.

This creates an opportunity to develop new green shipping corridors and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

With the right investment and clear global standards, zero-emissions shipping can move quickly from demonstration to deployment at scale. 

Green Pioneer in Belem ahead of COP30, 2025.

Green Pioneer in Trinidad, 2026.

Green Pioneer arriving in London ahead of the SMI’s five-year anniversary event, 2025.

Green Pioneer in London, 2025.

Green Pioneer arrives in New York for Climate Week NYC, 2025.

News from the bridge

Learn more about what our Green Pioneer is up to around the world.