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 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.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) is a Japanese publicly listed shipping company headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. MOL operates one of the world’s largest fleets across multiple sectors, including bulk carriers, LNG carriers, tankers, and container ships.
NH3 Clean Energy Limited (NH3) — An Australian public company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The company develops projects in clean ammonia and hydrogen production, focusing on low-emission fuel supply chains. Its key initiative, the WAH2 Project, aims to supply low-carbon ammonia to export markets in Asia.
Oceania Marine Energy is a privately held Australian company based in Perth, Western Australia. It specializes in clean ammonia bunkering and marine fuel logistics, developing infrastructure to support decarbonized maritime transport along the Australia–Asia shipping corridor.
