Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NH3 Clean Energy Limited (NH3) and Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) for the development of clean ammonia fuel bunkering operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
This memorandum of understanding seeks to promote collaboration with NH3 and Oceania in the Pilbara Clean Fuels Bunkering Hub initiative, the first ammonia fuel bunkering concept in Australia, announced by the Pilbara Port Authority in June of this year. MOL will be the first world-leading ocean-going shipping company to participate in this initiative.
The Pilbara region in Western Australia is home to the world’s largest iron ore export port and is a major port of call for Capesize bulk carriers. The Pilbara Port Authority has signed a joint development agreement with NH3, which will supply blue ammonia, and Oceania, which will operate the bunkering business, to achieve low-carbon ammonia fuel bunkering in the region. Its goal is to initiate bunkering operations for Capesize bulk carriers in the ports of Dampier and Port Hedland by 2030.
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 on the realization of the WAH2 project. Together, we will propose solutions to Western Australian iron ore suppliers and work to address issues such as safety in ammonia bunkering operations.
MOL will be a joint owner of three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulk carriers with the Belgian company CMB.TECH NV, whose delivery is scheduled for Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, between 2026 and 2027.
MOL seeks to establish a fleet of ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulk carriers on the Western Australia to East Asia trade route, ensure safety in ammonia bunkering operations, and consider their acquisition.
