NH3 Clean Energy Advances Ammonia Bunkering at Pilbara for 2030

• Joint Development Agreement signed for ammonia bunkering at Port Dampier by 2030
• Supports decarbonisation of Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor aligned with IMO net-zero rules
• Pilbara Ports Authority to manage port operations and licensing
• NH3’s WAH2 Project to supply low-emission ammonia fuel starting 2H 2029
• Final investment decisions and regulatory approvals targeted by end 2026

A Strategic Partnership for Maritime Decarbonisation

NH3 Clean Energy Limited (ASX – NH3) has taken a significant step towards transforming maritime fuel supply with the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) alongside Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania Marine Energy. The agreement sets a framework to establish low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at Port Dampier by 2030, marking a crucial milestone in the decarbonisation of the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor.

This collaboration aligns closely with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) recent adoption of mandatory net-zero emissions regulations for ships over 5,000 gross tonnes, effective from 2027. By targeting ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, as a bunker option, the partnership aims to support the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

Pilbara Ports – A Global Bulk Export Hub

Pilbara Ports Authority, the world’s largest bulk export port operator, handles over 750 million tonnes of commodities annually, predominantly iron ore. Its strategic position and scale make it an ideal launchpad for pioneering ammonia bunkering services. Under the JDA, Pilbara Ports will oversee port control, licensing, and safe bunkering operations within Port Dampier’s waters, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational integrity.

Oceania Marine Energy will act as the bunker operator, facilitating ship-to-ship ammonia fuel transfers. NH3 Clean Energy will supply the low-emissions ammonia fuel, primarily sourced from its flagship WAH2 Project, which is on track to commence production in the second half of 2029.

The WAH2 Project – Powering a Green Maritime Corridor

The WAH2 Project is NH3’s cornerstone initiative to produce low-emission ammonia fuel, leveraging renewable energy to decarbonise bulk carrier shipping between Australia and Asia, including key markets such as South Korea and Japan. The project has completed its Pre-FEED phase and is progressing towards Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), anticipated to conclude by mid-2025.

With an eye on final investment decisions by late 2026, the project aims to deliver ammonia fuel capacity sufficient to supply approximately 300 dual-fuel bulk carriers by 2030. This scale is critical to meet the growing demand for cleaner maritime fuels driven by regulatory pressures and corporate sustainability commitments.

Integrated Approach and Future Outlook

The JDA outlines a coordinated approach to infrastructure development, regulatory approvals, and investment decisions, emphasizing the importance of integrated planning among the three parties. This collaboration builds on NH3’s prior memorandums of understanding with Pilbara Ports and Oceania, signaling a maturing partnership poised to lead the maritime energy transition.

NH3’s CEO, Stephen Hall, will provide further insights and updates on the WAH2 Project’s progress and the implications of recent regulatory developments during an investor webinar scheduled for June 13, 2025.

Bottom Line?

As NH3 Clean Energy and its partners lay the groundwork for ammonia bunkering at Pilbara, the coming years will reveal how swiftly the maritime sector embraces this low-emission fuel alternative.

Questions in the middle?

• What are the key regulatory hurdles remaining before final approvals for ammonia bunkering at Port Dampier?
• How will NH3 secure long-term off-take agreements with bulk carrier operators to ensure demand for its ammonia fuel?
• What infrastructure investments are required to support large-scale ammonia bunkering, and who will bear these costs?