BHP has signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (hereafter “COSCO Shipping”) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a marine fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions¹ ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50 per cent and up to 95 per cent on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping. This announcement represents an important step toward lowering GHG emissions in the iron ore seaborne market and moving the maritime sector towards a decarbonised future. It should also strengthen the demand for lower or low to zero GHG emissions marine fuels, which is important in the effort to scale up production of alternative fuels.

These contracts will also contribute to BHP’s commitment as part of the First Movers Coalition, that by 2030, 10 per cent of BHP’s total products shipped to its customers using the company’s time charter vessels will be shipped using zero GHG emissions fuels². 

BHP selected COSCO Shipping following a rigorous expression of interest process, which evaluated safety, technical and commercial considerations.

BHP and COSCO Shipping have a longstanding relationship and will work closely together alongside key regulatory bodies to ensure the vessels are delivered and operated safely. 

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028. Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

Today’s announcement is part of BHP’s efforts to establish demand and incentivise the industry to take up lower and low to zero GHG emissions fuels, building on the company’s current efforts including our charter of five dual-fuelled LNG vessels and the operationalisation of biodiesel as a marine fuel in the company’s commodity value chains.

BHP Vice President Maritime and Supply Chain Excellence, Emma Roberts, said:

“This is an exciting moment for BHP, COSCO Shipping and the maritime sector.”

“Together we are contributing to the industry’s ambition towards abatement of maritime greenhouse gas emissions through these first generation ammonia dual-fuelled vessels.”

“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.”

“Our tender process for the design and charter of ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers has brought together shipowners, fuel suppliers, engine-makers, and regulatory bodies from around the world.”

COSCO Shipping Vice President, Ji Lin, said:

“Our partnership with BHP has developed for many years. It’s been shaped by openness, reliability, and a joint pursuit of innovation. Together, we’ve worked through challenges, strengthened supply chain excellence, and taken meaningful steps towards transition to net zero.

“The contracts we are signing today—for two 210K DWT ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers—are part of more than just a project to enable alternative marine fuels. It’s a symbol of how our collaboration is evolving with the times. It also reflects the real progress being made to the ‘Australia–China Green Shipping Corridor’.

“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.

“Looking ahead, COSCO Shipping will continue to work closely with BHP to help accelerate the transition to net-zero shipping, scale up innovation, and help shape a more sustainable and resilient global supply chain.”

About BHP

BHP is a world-leading resources company. With more than 90,000 employees and contractors, we work in more than 90 locations worldwide and our products are sold globally. We're focused on the resources the world needs to grow and decarbonise. Population growth, urbanisation and improving living standards are global trends that underpin strong demand for the commodities we produce. Demand for essential commodities is expected to increase as the world seeks to decarbonise. Our project pipeline and focus on continuous improvement in existing operations leave us well positioned for growth across our four commodity pillars of copper, potash, iron ore and steelmaking coal in the decades ahead. 

About COSCO Shipping

COSCO Shipping serves global trade and operates a global network, with shipping, ports and logistics as its foundation and core industries, and with digital innovation, industry-finance integration, equipment manufacturing and value-added services as its enabling industries. Focusing on digital intelligence empowerment and green low-carbon development, it is fully committed to building an integrated service system of "shipping + ports + logistics", building a global green and intelligent comprehensive logistics supply chain service ecosystem, and establishing a world-class shipping technology enterprise.

COSCO SHIPPING Bulk Co., Ltd. is an important subsidiary of COSCO Shipping. The Company is the largest and professional bulk shipping corporation in the world, with approximately 600 various types of bulk carriers and nearly 60 million DWT, loading iron ore, coal, grain and all other bulk cargoes. Shipping routes cover both China coastal areas and world-wide major ports, and the shipping service networks spread all over the world. The company has more than 1,700 management staffs and over 12,500 well-trained seafarers, who adhere to the service concept of “safety, integrity, quality and efficiency”. The company provides professional and high-quality dry bulk shipping services to all our customers.

¹Lower GHG emissions: Capable of between 5 per cent to 80 per cent lower GHG emissions intensity (gCO2-e/joule) on a well-to-wake basis compared to conventional fossil fuels used in shipping.

Low to zero GHG emissions: Capable of between 81 per cent to 100 per cent lower GHG emissions intensity (gCO2-e/joule) on a well-to-wake basis compared to conventional fossil fuels used in shipping. Well-to-wake means inclusive of the GHG emissions across the entire process of fuel production, delivery and use onboard vessels.

²Subject to the availability of technology, supply, safety standards, and the establishment of reasonable thresholds for price premiums.