Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NH3 Clean Energy Limited (NH3) and Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) to collaborate on the development of clean ammonia bunkering operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The agreement aligns with the Pilbara Clean Fuels Bunkering Hub initiative, announced by the Pilbara Ports Authority in June 2025, which is the first ammonia bunkering concept in Australia.
MOL joins NH3 Clean Energy and Oceania Marine Energy
MOL is the world’s first ocean-going shipping company to participate in this initiative. The Pilbara region, home to the world’s largest iron ore export port, serves as a major stop for Capesize bulk carriers.
The Pilbara Ports Authority has entered into a joint development agreement with NH3, which will supply blue ammonia, and Oceania, which will operate the bunkering business, with the aim of beginning operations at the ports of Dampier and Port Hedland by 2030.
Under the MoU, MOL, NH3, and Oceania will explore the transition of iron ore carriers in the Pilbara region to ammonia fuel and support the WAH2 project, NH3’s flagship initiative for supplying low-emission ammonia across the Asia-Pacific region.
The companies intend to address safety issues related to ammonia bunkering and jointly propose decarbonization solutions to Western Australian iron ore suppliers.
MOL plans to deploy three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers, co-owned with Belgium-based CMB.TECH NV, and built by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, between 2026 and 2027.
These vessels will be chartered by MOL and operated on the West Australia–East Asia route, supported by future ammonia bunkering in Pilbara.
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Source: MOL
