In January 2023, Kumba loaded its first iron ore cargo on an LNG dual-fuelled vessel. The ship, Ubuntu Harmony, is the first of 10 made-to-order vessels that will commence service during 2023 and 2024, with the aim of cutting our shipping carbon emissions by an estimated 35%.
This initiative forms an important part of Anglo American’s ambition to achieve carbon-neutrality for its controlled ocean freight by 2040 – with an interim target to reduce emissions from these activities by 30% by 2030.
In addition to delivering an estimated 35% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with ships fuelled by conventional marine oil fuel, the use of LNG will also lead to a significant reduction of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from vessel exhausts. New technology will also eliminate the release of unburnt methane, addressing an important concern that has been made about the switch to LNG from conventional marine fuels.