The First Movers series puts the spotlight on those maritime companies that have been among the first to take the plunge on decarbonisation by trialling and adopting alternative fuels or green technologies. 

This series goes beyond the initial and optimistic big announcements and headlines and asks what happens in the months and years that follow. It aims to unpick the tangible results achieved and the practical challenges faced by these decarbonisation pioneers. 

As the series develops, we will interrogate the concept of a ‘first mover advantage’. How does being a trailblazer deliver in terms of achieving commercial success, developing cutting edge technology, and driving the energy transition forwards? With the benefit of hindsight, would these companies take the same decisions again or would their strategies be very different?

In this second episode of First Movers, Ariane Morrissey is joined by Andrew Hoare, Group Manager of Green Shipping at Fortescue. The company made global headlines for completing trials of the world’s first ammonia capable ship, the offshore vessel Green Pioneer, in Singapore.

In this conversation, Andrew relates how the company overcame a lack of regulatory readiness for the use of ammonia as a marine fuel. He reveals the multiple ‘chicken and egg’ situations that they faced, and how close collaboration with port authorities and classification societies was critical to obtain the necessary approvals for the project to go ahead. 

Andrew highlights that the biggest learning from Fortescue’s experience as a first mover was the importance of involving the crew from the outset, with a rigorous ‘safety-first’ approach and extensive training. 

Looking ahead, he argues that there will be a first-mover advantage, as a growing range of EU, global and national regulations will put a price on carbon emissions. He points out that this will not only make it increasingly expensive to operate on traditional fossil fuels, but also means that companies will find it difficult to secure financing unless they act on decarbonisation. 

Listen to the first episode of the First Movers series here: Rasmus Nielsen, Naval Architect / Officer, Scandlines