- Clean Ammonia Supply Chain Plans Advance in Asia Pacific.
- Pilbara Positioned as Future Clean Ammonia Bunkering Hub.
- Ammonia-Fuelled Shipping Gains Momentum in the Asia Pacific.
Australian company NH3 Clean Energy Limited has teamed up with ITOCHU Corporation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kickstart clean ammonia bunkering operations throughout the Asia Pacific region. This two-year partnership is set to pave the way for clean ammonia bunkering in the Pilbara region of Western Australia by 2030, while also working on ammonia supply for regional bunkering operations led by ITOCHU, reports Manifold Times.
Supply Volumes and Project Milestones
As part of the MoU, both partners are aiming to gather a demand of 300,000 tonnes of ammonia per year, sourced from NH3’s upcoming WAH2 Project. The agreement also involves looking into various supply-chain business models, potential equity participation, and financing options, all to support a Final Investment Decision that’s targeted for late 2026.
Building on Existing Collaborations
This MoU builds on NH3’s current partnerships, including a Joint Development Agreement with Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania Marine Energy to set up clean ammonia bunkering at the Port of Dampier by 2030. Additionally, they are collaborating with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines to create a comprehensive plan that covers clean ammonia production, bunkering, and ammonia-fueled shipping, all aimed at helping to decarbonise iron ore exports from Australia to Asia.
ITOCHU’s Growing Ammonia Bunkering Portfolio
ITOCHU has been making strides in developing its ammonia value chain, which includes:
- Ordering a 5,000 m³ ammonia bunkering vessel
- Partnering with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines to showcase ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering in Singapore
- Entering a joint development agreement to create an ammonia bunkering hub in Japan
Industry Perspectives
NH3 Chairman Charles Whitfield said: “ITOCHU have consistently demonstrated their desire to be a leader in the transition of maritime transport to clean ammonia. They have already ordered an ammonia bunkering vessel, plan to undertake the first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering in Singapore and announced a joint development agreement for ammonia bunkering in Japan. As the region’s leading clean ammonia project NH3 and ITOCHU make ideal partners to develop the huge market potential in the Asia Pacific.”
ITOCHU’s Takeo Akamatsu added: “NH3 leverages robust partnerships with key Australian stakeholders and brings the concept of a comprehensive clean ammonia supply chain. We are pleased to support the introduction of ammonia bunkering operations at the Pilbara ports, which are renowned for their significant export volumes.”
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Manifold Times
