MoU Targets 300,000 TPA Clean Ammonia Supply for Pilbara by 2030

• MoU signed between NH3, MOL, and Oceania for clean ammonia bunkering in Pilbara
• Target to establish bunkering operations at Port of Dampier by 2030
• Supports NH3’s WAH2 Project with initial demand of 300,000 tonnes per annum
• MOL plans ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers on Australia-Asia trade route
• Final Investment Decision for WAH2 Project expected in late 2026

Strategic Partnership for Clean Maritime Fuel

NH3 Clean Energy Limited (ASX – NH3) has taken a significant step forward in the race to decarbonise maritime shipping by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Australian marine energy company Oceania Marine Energy. This collaboration aims to establish clean ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier in Western Australia's Pilbara region by 2030.

The partnership is designed to support NH3’s flagship WAH2 Project, which focuses on producing low-emissions ammonia fuel to power the next generation of bulk carriers. MOL, with its extensive fleet and expertise, plans to deploy ammonia dual-fuelled capesize bulk carriers along the critical West Australia to East Asia iron ore trade route, ensuring that the necessary low-emission bunkering infrastructure is in place.

Aiming for Scale and Impact

The MoU outlines a 12-month collaboration period to develop an integrated proposition that makes it straightforward for Australian mining companies to transition to clean ammonia-fuelled shipping. A key target is to aggregate an initial bunkering demand of 300,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of clean ammonia, representing roughly half of the planned Phase 1 production capacity of the WAH2 Project.

This volume signals a substantial market commitment and underpins the project's economic viability. The agreement also supports NH3’s goal of reaching a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the WAH2 Project by late 2026, following the ongoing Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase.

Building on Regional Collaboration and Government Support

The MoU builds on an earlier Joint Development Agreement involving NH3, Oceania, and Pilbara Ports Authority, reflecting a growing regional ecosystem focused on clean energy and maritime decarbonisation. The signing ceremony, hosted by Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook, highlights the state government’s commitment to diversifying the economy and positioning Western Australia as a renewable energy leader.

Industry leaders from all three companies expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to create a robust, end-to-end solution for clean ammonia fuel supply, bunkering logistics, and shipping operations. This integrated approach is seen as critical to meeting the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonisation targets and supporting Australia’s iron ore export industry’s transition to sustainable practices.

Looking Ahead

As the WAH2 Project advances through FEED and commercial approvals, the collaboration with MOL and Oceania marks a tangible step towards commercialising ammonia as a marine fuel. The initiative could position the Pilbara as a global hub for low-emission maritime bunkering, with implications for regional economic growth and environmental leadership.

NH3 Clean Energy will host a webinar on 8 October 2025 to update shareholders and stakeholders on the latest developments, underscoring the company’s transparency and engagement as it moves closer to its ambitious goals.

Bottom Line?

This MoU signals a turning point for ammonia bunkering in Australia, but execution and market adoption remain the critical next hurdles.

Questions in the middle?

• What are the detailed commercial terms and financial commitments underpinning the MoU?
• How will regulatory approvals and infrastructure development timelines impact the 2030 bunkering target?
• What are the risks and readiness of ammonia dual-fuelled vessels entering the Australia-Asia trade route?