“Economic bullying:” Forrest attacks US tariff threat as he sails green ammonia ship into New York

Australian billionaire and green energy evangelist has accused the US administration of “economic bullying” by hinting at tariffs and levies and visa restrictions on countries who support action to cut emissions in shipping.

The comments came as Forrest’s 75-metre dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessel Fortescue Green Pioneer sailed into New York for the start of Climate Week NYC, the world’s largest annual climate event, being held at the same time as a UN General Assembly that will also focus on climate.

Forrest is trying to convince countries round the world to support strongs emissions targets for the shipping industry, which he says can be achieved through the use of green ammonia, a key part of green hydrogen ambitions that have largely eluded him to date.

However, the US has reportedly put member countries on notice that they should reject the International Maritime Organisation’s draft package, which includes a cost on carbon, a fuel standard for ships and support for developing companies.

The US has reportedly threatened to retaliate against any countries that support the measures, with a US State Department spokesman saying actions could include tariffs, visa restrictions and port levies.

Forrest, who has already had to cancel at least two green hydrogen projects in the US because of changes from the Trump administration, is incandescent.

“Threatening the world with tariffs and sanctions to block climate action is economic bullying dressed up as policy,” Forrest said in a statement.

“History will record it as reckless self-interest that endangered our children’s future. Shipping accounts for nearly 3 per cent of global emissions and without the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, those emissions will soar.

Forrest says that the Green Pioneer, now docked on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the latest stop on its 2025 global tour, is proof that the technologies to cut shipping emissions exist now. Fortescue says it has already worked with the US Coast Guard to secure approval for ammonia bunkering at the Port of Boston, a key precedent.

“While world leaders gather for Climate Week and the UN General Assembly, we will be on the East River showing that green ammonia is not a theory but a fuel that can help power the world’s ships while reducing carbon emissions

”America has a golden opportunity to lead the green energy revolution – to attract investment, create thousands of new jobs and set the global standard.

“China is already moving at pace, and if I were the United States I wouldn’t leave it to one of my fiercest competitors to shape the future of this industry. As a close ally, I want to see the United States seize this moment, because it has everything to gain and nothing to lose by stepping up as a leader.

The Green Pioneer in May completed an historic international voyage from the Netherlands to the south of France powered in part by ammonia, before attending the UN Ocean Conference in France in June. 

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