Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., one of the world’s leading shipping companies, has become the first ocean-going shipping company to participate in the pioneering ammonia bunkering hub initiative in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This historic development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MOL, NH3 Clean Energy Limited (NH3), and Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania), aimed at establishing the world’s first large-scale, low-carbon ammonia bunkering operation in the region.
This bold move positions MOL at the forefront of global maritime decarbonization and underscores Western Australia’s emerging leadership in clean energy innovation.
A First in Maritime History: Ammonia Bunkering at Scale
This tripartite agreement marks the first time a deep-sea shipping company has formally committed to participating in an ammonia-based bunkering project. The initiative is centered around the Pilbara Clean Fuels Bunkering Hub, a visionary project announced by the Pilbara Ports Authority in June 2025, designed to support the supply of low-carbon ammonia as marine fuel.
The Pilbara region – globally renowned as home to the largest iron ore export terminals – is a strategic location for such an initiative. Its deep-sea ports at Dampier and Port Hedland are vital gateways for Capesize bulkers carrying iron ore to energy-hungry markets across Asia. By integrating clean ammonia into bunkering infrastructure, the region aims to transform its maritime operations and reduce emissions across the entire iron ore export value chain.
A Powerful Alliance for a Decarbonized Future
The MoU was signed in the presence of key stakeholders including:
- Kazuhiro Takahashi, Managing Executive Officer, MOL
- Charles Whitfield, Chairman, NH3 Clean Energy
- Stephen Hall, CEO, NH3 Clean Energy
- Nick Bentley, Managing Director, Oceania Marine Energy
- Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia
This high-profile collaboration brings together world-leading expertise in clean ammonia production (NH3), bunkering infrastructure and operations (Oceania), and maritime logistics and vessel operation (MOL). The joint objective: to create a safe, commercially viable ammonia bunkering ecosystem by 2030, aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization roadmap.
MOL’s Vision: Pioneering Ammonia-Fueled Bulk Shipping
MOL’s involvement in this initiative is a natural extension of its progressive strategy to build a future-ready, low-emission fleet. The company has already announced plans to introduce the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers, in collaboration with Belgium-based CMB.TECH NV. Three such vessels, under construction by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in China, are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027.
These next-generation bulkers will be jointly owned by MOL and CMB.TECH, and chartered by MOL to transport iron ore between Western Australia and East Asia – a trade route that will serve as a proving ground for ammonia propulsion and bunkering.
MOL’s Managing Executive Officer, Kazuhiro Takahashi, emphasized MOL’s commitment, stating “We are honored to sign this MoU with NH3 and Oceania today, which will be a vital hub for our ammonia dual-fueled Capesize bulkers. 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.”
WAH2 Project: Fueling Asia’s Green Transition
Central to this collaboration is the WAH2 Project, NH3 Clean Energy’s flagship development aimed at supplying low-emissions ammonia to Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and South Korea. The project seeks to harness renewable energy sources wherever feasible, positioning Pilbara as a critical node in the global clean energy network.
NH3 Chairman Charles Whitfield commented “This agreement reinforces the growing momentum behind the shift to low-emission maritime fuels. With Premier Cook’s continued support, we’re building a clean energy industry in the Pilbara that can serve both domestic and international markets. This is a pivotal step toward a more sustainable future for Australia’s mining and energy export sectors.”
Oceania Marine Energy: The Bunkering Backbone
Oceania Marine Energy, headquartered in Perth, is leading the operational implementation of ammonia bunkering. Its vessel, the Oceania α, is being purpose-built to connect low-carbon ammonia supplies in Dampier with deep-sea vessels operating along the Australia–Asia corridor.
Oceania’s Managing Director, Nick Bentley, emphasized the importance of industry-wide collaboration “Oceania’s partnership with MOL and NH3 shows how energy and shipping sectors can work together to deliver tangible emission reductions. This integrated solution enables Australia’s iron ore exporters and global shippers to align with the IMO’s net-zero ambitions.”
Safety, Innovation & Environmental Commitment
As part of the MoU, MOL, NH3, and Oceania have committed to jointly address the critical safety protocols required for ammonia bunkering. Given ammonia’s toxicity and volatility, establishing robust handling standards will be essential for regulatory approvals and stakeholder confidence.
The project also aligns with MOL’s corporate sustainability strategy, specifically its key materialities:
- Safety & Value – Delivering added value through safe transport infrastructure
- Environment – Conserving the marine and global ecosystem
- Innovation – Advancing technological development in shipping
A Turning Point for Global Shipping
This agreement represents more than just a technical milestone — it signals a fundamental shift in how global shipping will operate in the decades to come. With the IMO targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, the development of safe, scalable, zero-carbon fuels like ammonia is no longer optional — it’s imperative.
By becoming the first ocean-going carrier to join this transformative project, MOL has sent a powerful message to the global shipping community: the future of marine fuel is here — and it starts in the Pilbara.