A new partnership between Australia’s NH3 Clean Energy, Oceania Marine Energy and Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will deliver the first integrated clean ammonia bunkering business focused on decarbonising the Pilbara-East Asia iron ore trade route.
The three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony hosted by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook.
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Based at the Port of Dampier, the collaboration aims to establish a clean ammonia refuelling hub by 2030, servicing a new generation of ammonia-fuelled iron ore carriers operating between Western Australia and key Asian markets.
The parties are developing an integrated proposition to make it easier for West Australian miners to adopt clean ammonia-fuelled shipping. The goal is to aggregate up to 300,000 tonnes per annum of bunkering demand and de-risk early adoption across the supply chain.
The agreement supports NH3’s flagship WAH2 Project near Karratha, which is now in Front-End Engineering and Design, and includes Oceania’s plans to operate the region’s first dedicated ammonia bunkering vessels. MOL, a major operator on the WA-Asia iron ore route would deploy the vessels as part of its low-emissions shipping strategy.
MOL is the first ocean-going shipping company in the world to formally join an ammonia bunkering initiative in the Pilbara. It has already committed to chartering a fleet of ammonia dual-fuel capesize bulk carriers, developed in partnership with Belgium-based CMB.TECH, with first deliveries expected from 2026. These vessels are intended to operate on the WA-Asia iron ore trade route, bringing real near-term demand to the proposed bunkering operations.
This initiative is closely aligned with WA Government priorities to decarbonise industry, diversify exports and create skilled regional jobs.
NH3 Clean Energy chair Charles Whitfield said, “We are delighted to have this agreement with MOL, which helps to take the clean ammonia bunkering business another step closer to reality.
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“This new agreement reinforces the growing momentum behind the shift to low-emission maritime fuels and builds on the existing Joint Development Agreement between NH3, Pilbara Ports and Oceania Marine to establish an ammonia hub in the Pilbara by 2030.
“We sincerely appreciate Premier Cook and his team’s continued support in helping to establish this emerging clean energy industry—paving the way for a more sustainable future for our mining sector and energy exports.”
