Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NH3 Clean Energy Limited (NH3) and Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) for the development of clean ammonia bunkering operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
This is a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration with NH3 and Oceania on the Pilbara Clean Fuels Bunkering Hub initiative, which is Australia's first ammonia bunkering concept announced by the Pilbara Ports Authority in June this year.
MOL said it will be the world's first ocean-going shipping company to participate in this initiative.
The Pilbara region of Western Australia is home to the world's largest iron ore export port and serves as a major port of call for Capesize bulkers. 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, to realize low-carbon ammonia bunkering in the region.
The goal is to commence bunkering operations for Capesize bulkers at the ports of Dampier and Port Hedland by 2030.
[Source: MOL]
"This MoU aims for MOL, NH3, and Oceania to collaborate on the transition of iron ore carriers in the Pilbara region to ammonia fuel and the realization of the WAH2 project," MOL said, adding that together, they will jointly propose solutions to Western Australian iron ore suppliers and work to address issues such as safety in ammonia bunkering operations.
MOL will jointly own three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers with Belgium-based CMB.TECH NV, which are scheduled to be delivered by China State Shipbuilding Corporation's Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. between 2026 and 2027.
These vessels will be chartered by MOL. MOL is looking to establish a fleet of ammonia duel-fuelled capesize bulk carriers on the West Australia to East Asia trade route and ensure safe ammonia bunkering operations and consider the procurement of ammonia.
As an operator of ammonia dual-fuel vessels, MOL will work for this project to advance considerations regarding safety assurance and ammonia procurement in the Pilbara region.
"We are honored to sign this MoU with NH3 and Oceania, which will be a vital hub for our ammonia dual-fueled capesize bulkers scheduled to commence operations from 2026," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, managing executive officer at MOL.
"This collaboration marks an important milestone in our efforts to establish a safe and reliable ammonia bunkering operation in the Pilbara region. By working closely with our partners, we look forward to building a robust framework for safe ammonia bunkering and advancing sustainable shipping together," he added.
