- First ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering demonstration planned in Singapore in 2027.
- IMO framework pushes the adoption of low-GHG fuels and zero-emission vessels.
- Ammonia bunkering vessels highlighted as critical last-mile fuel supply link.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), led by President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto and based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has just announced a joint development agreement (JDA) with ITOCHU Corporation, whose President & COO is Keita Ishii, also located in Minato-ku, Tokyo. This partnership is focused on ammonia bunkering demonstrations, reports MOL.
Demonstrations in Singapore
As pioneers in the field of ammonia bunkering vessels and ships powered by ammonia, MOL and ITOCHU are teaming up to carry out ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering in Singapore. They plan to use their ammonia bunkering vessel along with ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers for this demonstration, which is set for the latter half of 2027. The goal is to speed up the adoption of ammonia bunkering vessels and ships that run on ammonia.
IMO’s Decarbonization Framework
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in international shipping by around 2050. In April, member states approved draft revisions to the convention, which include a phased approach to adopting alternative low-emission fuels and providing economic incentives for vessels that are zero- or near-zero-emission. Once this framework is implemented, it’s expected to increase the use of alternative fuels, such as ammonia.
Role of Ammonia in Maritime Fuel Transition
Ammonia is gaining traction as a zero-emission marine fuel, capturing the interest of both the shipping and fuel sectors. Ammonia bunkering businesses, which supply this fuel to vessels, are becoming essential in strengthening connections within the maritime fuel industry. Specifically, ammonia bunkering vessels are seen as crucial last mile infrastructure in the fuel supply chain.
MOL’s Ammonia Dual-Fuel Fleet
MOL is set to co-own three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers in partnership with Belgium-based CMB.TECH NV. These vessels are currently being constructed by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, and are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2027. They will mark the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers and will be chartered by MOL.
ITOCHU’s Ammonia Bunkering Vessel
In June 2025, ITOCHU made a groundbreaking move by ordering the world’s first 5,000 m³ ammonia bunkering vessel from Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Japan. This innovative ship, which will be registered under the Singapore flag, is set to be delivered in 2027. With this vessel, ITOCHU is on a mission to create safe offshore ammonia bunkering operations and broaden its ammonia bunkering business to Singapore and other key maritime hubs around the globe.
Ammonia in the Path to Net-Zero
Ammonia is starting to shine as a promising clean energy source, especially in the push for decarbonization in ocean shipping. The MOL Group, as part of its “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2,” has pledged to incorporate ammonia into its strategy aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Through their ongoing efforts, MOL and ITOCHU are dedicated to helping build a decarbonised society.
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Source: MOL
