Anglo American sets sights on carbon neutral shipping

This goal is an extension of Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan which aims for carbon neutral mining operations by 2040 and a 50 per cent reduction in Scope 3 emissions.

“Connecting our customers with the metals and minerals they need in a way that is safe, efficient and sustainable is a key priority for us, so our ambition for carbon neutral controlled ocean freight is a natural extension of our commitment to be carbon neutral across our mining operations by 2040,” Anglo American marketing chief executive officer Peter Whitcutt said

Anglo American’s efforts to decarbonise ocean freight activities include vessel retrofits, voyage optimisation software, and support for technology development to help enable the switch from conventional fuel oil to sustainable marine fuels.

In 2020, Anglo American announced the introduction of LNG-fuelled Capesize+ vessels to its chartered fleet, which have anticipated environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions by 35 per cent compared to standard marine fuel, while also using new technology to eliminate the release of unburnt methane.

“We are committed to playing an active role in accelerating the transition to a more sustainable shipping sector, a crucial component in our efforts to extend our positive impact beyond our mine sites,” Whitcutt said.

“This ambition further cements that commitment and will help us shape a clearer path towards decarbonisation.”

Recognising hydrogen’s potential in enabling a carbon neutral pathway for ocean freight, Anglo American has joined forces with Hydrogenious Maritime AS to explore the use of emission-free liquid organic hydrogen carrier-based applications on Anglo American’s chartered fleet.