Fortescue Ships First 150-Tonne Electric Water Truck From China to the Pilbara

Fortescue has taken another step toward removing diesel from its iron ore operations, with its first 150-tonne electric water truck now leaving China for the Pilbara. The machine, built with Chinese equipment manufacturer XCMG, is the latest piece of the company’s broader plan to decarbonise haulage and support equipment at its mines.

The water truck’s journey marks a practical test of whether heavy battery-electric vehicles can handle the demanding conditions of remote iron ore sites, where machines run long shifts and need reliable charging infrastructure.

Fortescue has framed the delivery as part of its “real zero” target, an effort to cut emissions from its own operations rather than relying only on offsets. If the truck performs as expected, it could influence how the company replaces other diesel-powered vehicles across its fleet.