Anglo American has successfully completed the delivery of its 10-strong chartered fleet of Capesize+ Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) dual-fuelled bulk carriers. The final vessel, Ubuntu Liberty, is set to embark on its maiden voyage from China to Saldanha Bay, South Africa, marking the culmination of a three-year project with a zero incident safety record. This achievement aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable shipping and reducing its environmental footprint.
Matt Walker, CEO of Anglo American's Marketing business, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that it demonstrates the company's dedication to a more sustainable path forward for ocean freight. The fleet positions Anglo American as the charterer of the largest LNG dual-fuelled Capesize+ fleet globally, showcasing its leadership in embracing sustainable and lower carbon fuel options.
The Ubuntu fleet plays a crucial role in Anglo American's ambition to achieve carbon-neutrality for its controlled ocean freight by 2040. These LNG dual-fuelled vessels offer an estimated 35% reduction in emissions compared to conventional marine oil fuel, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for the maritime industry. Since its inception, the fleet has safely transported 6.4 million tonnes of iron ore and steelmaking coal across global shipping routes, while also conducting over 30 refuelling stops for LNG in strategic locations.
The completion of this fleet comes at a time when the shipping industry is under scrutiny for its environmental impact, with the sector responsible for nearly 3% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Anglo American's commitment to cleaner fuel alternatives like LNG reflects the growing recognition of the value of sustainable shipping in creating a more sustainable supply chain.
The company's Sea Cargo Charter Annual Disclosure Report 2023 highlighted its efforts to improve the efficiency of shipping operations, with a notable -3.7% annual activity alignment climate alignment score for 2022. This demonstrates Anglo American's progress in aligning with permitted trajectory limits, showcasing the positive outcomes of its drive to enhance shipping efficiency.
Anglo American's completion of the 10-strong lower emission LNG fleet underscores its commitment to sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact. As a leading global mining company, the company's dedication to carbon neutrality across its operations by 2040 and its Sustainable Mining Plan further solidify its position as a responsible producer of essential metals and minerals for a cleaner, greener world.