- IHI and Vopak to launch joint venture for ammonia terminal in Japan.
- Project targets safe and efficient ammonia storage to support Japan’s energy transition.
- Operations expected to commence by Japanese fiscal year 2030.
On 11 July 2025, Japan’s IHI Corporation and the Netherlands-based Royal Vopak announced the signing of a joint development agreement to establish a new joint venture. The venture will focus on the development and future operation of an ammonia terminal in Japan, targeting a start of operations in the Japanese fiscal year 2030. This initiative supports Japan’s efforts to build a stable ammonia supply chain and accelerate its decarbonization goals.
Building Ammonia Infrastructure for Japan’s Energy Transition
The terminal is designed to receive and store imported ammonia, playing a crucial role in the country’s push toward clean energy. Ammonia is being increasingly recognized for its potential use as a low-carbon fuel and industrial feedstock. This joint initiative will create infrastructure that enables its safe, efficient, and large-scale handling.
Combining Global and Local Expertise
Vopak, a global leader in tank storage with operational experience in six ammonia storage sites worldwide, will contribute its engineering and terminal operation capabilities. IHI, Japan’s top manufacturer of ammonia storage tanks, will continue advancing its ammonia value chain focused on clean ammonia. Together, they aim to build an efficient ammonia hub for marine distribution and promote broader usage across Japan.
Advancing a National Ammonia Value Chain
The partnership will play a critical role in developing Japan’s ammonia supply and distribution network. The proposed terminal will serve as a central hub for marine transport, supporting both power generation and industrial sectors that are adopting ammonia as part of their energy transition strategies.
Leadership Remarks
Kensuke Yamamoto, Executive Officer of IHI, emphasized the importance of combining both companies’ technologies to realize a sustainable future through safe and efficient ammonia infrastructure.
Lars Schaumann, Managing Director of Vopak Japan, stated that this partnership aligns with Vopak’s global strategy to support the energy transition by developing industrial and gas infrastructure.
Background and Context
The new agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2023, where IHI and Vopak agreed to jointly explore the development of high-value ammonia terminals in Japan. The signing ceremony was attended by Dick Richelle, CEO of Royal Vopak, and Hiroshi Ide, CEO of IHI.
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Source: Royal Vopak
