Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with NH3 Clean Energy Limited and Oceania Marine Energy to develop clean ammonia bunkering operations in Western Australia's Pilbara region. MOL is the first ocean-going shipping company to participate in the Pilbara Clean Fuels Bunkering Hub initiative.

The MoU, announced on October 7, aims to establish collaboration on Australia's first ammonia bunkering concept, which was announced by the Pilbara Ports Authority in June. The initiative aims to commence bunkering operations for Capesize bulkers at the ports of Dampier and Port Hedland by 2030.

The Pilbara region serves as home to the world's largest iron ore export port. It serves as a port of call 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.

Under the agreement, MOL, NH3, and Oceania will collaborate on transitioning iron ore carriers in the Pilbara region to ammonia fuel and realizing the WAH2 project. The partners will jointly propose solutions to Western Australian iron ore suppliers and address safety issues in ammonia bunkering operations.

MOL will jointly own three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers with Belgium-based CMB.TECH NV. It is scheduled for delivery by China State Shipbuilding Corporation's Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding between 2026 and 2027. MOL will charter the vessels.

The Japanese shipping company aims to establish a fleet of ammonia dual-fueled Capesize bulk carriers on the West Australia to East Asia trade route. This step will ensure safe ammonia bunkering operations, taking into account ammonia procurement.

"We are honoured to sign this MoU with NH3 and Oceania today, which will be a vital hub for our ammonia dual-fueled Capesize bulkers scheduled to commence operations from 2026," said MOL's Managing Executive Officer Kazuhiro Takahashi. "This collaboration marks an important milestone in our efforts to establish a safe and reliable ammonia bunkering operation in the Pilbara region."

NH3 Chairman Charles Whitfield said: "We are delighted to have this agreement with MOL that helps to take the clean ammonia bunkering business another step closer to reality. This new agreement reinforces the growing momentum behind the shift to low-emission maritime fuels."

Oceania Managing Director Nick Bentley commented: "Oceania's collaboration with MOL and NH3 Clean Energy shows how partnerships across the energy and shipping sectors can deliver genuine emission reduction outcomes for Australia's iron ore exporters and shipping industry."

NH3 Clean Energy Limited is an Australian company focused on developing future energy projects and exploring materials. The company is developing a business to deliver decarbonised hydrogen through low-emissions ammonia into export and domestic markets via its WAH2 Project.

Oceania Marine Energy, headquartered in Perth, is developing clean ammonia bunkering in the Pilbara, where its bunker vessel Oceania will provide the link between Dampier's low-carbon ammonia supply and deep-sea craft operating on the Australia-Asia shipping corridor.