Anglo American’s newly launched LNG-powered Capesize+ vessel, the Ubuntu Harmony, has loaded its first cargo of iron ore from its Kumba operations in South Africa. The vessel is the first of 10 LNG dual-fuel new-build ships that Anglo American will introduce to its chartered fleet during the course of 2023 and 2024, delivering an estimated 35% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to ships fueled by conventional marine oil fuel.
The Ubuntu fleet is a key component 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, all part of Anglo American’s wider ambition to halve Scope 3 emissions by 2040.
“We are proud to see the Ubuntu Harmony begin its voyage transporting future-enabling products from our mines to our customers around the world. This milestone cements our vision to be a leader in low carbon shipping, a natural extension of our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across our operations by 2040,” said Peter Whitcutt, CEO of Anglo American’s Marketing business.
Nolitha Fakude, Group Director of Anglo American for South Africa, also commented: “The metals and minerals we provide play an important role in helping key industries decarbonize. Transporting them in a sustainable way is a key part of this effort and the introduction of the Ubuntu fleet – named after the Zulu word meaning ‘humanity to others’ – helps us accelerate our transition to sustainable ocean freight.”
Anglo American has established a comprehensive framework of initiatives for the decarbonization of its maritime activities, including energy saving devices fitted to existing vessels, the use of voyage optimization software, and a focus on exploring, trialing and adopting alternative, sustainable fuel options, such as LNG and bio-LNG and – further down the line – hydrogen.
Source: Anglo American
