NH3’s WAH2 Project Gains Momentum with ITOCHU MoU Targeting 300,000 TPA Demand
NH3 Clean Energy has signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation to develop clean ammonia bunkering operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and across the Asia Pacific by 2030.
- MoU targets clean ammonia bunkering in Pilbara by 2030
- Collaboration aims to aggregate 300,000 tonnes per annum demand
- Partnership supports NH3’s WAH2 Project and Final Investment Decision in late 2026
- Builds on existing agreements with Pilbara Ports, Oceania Marine Energy, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
- ITOCHU brings expertise in ammonia fuel supply chains and bunkering vessels
Strategic Alliance for Clean Maritime Fuel
NH3 Clean Energy Limited (ASX, NH3) has taken a significant step forward in the clean energy transition for maritime transport by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITOCHU Corporation, a major Japanese trading company and a recognized leader in clean ammonia fuel supply chains. This agreement sets the stage for collaborative development of ammonia bunkering operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with ambitions to expand across the Asia Pacific region by 2030.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The MoU complements NH3’s existing partnerships, including a Joint Development Agreement with Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania Marine Energy, as well as a recent MoU with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a global shipping giant. Together, these collaborations aim to create an integrated clean ammonia supply chain that supports decarbonisation of bulk carrier shipping, particularly iron ore exports from Australia to Asia.
Ambitious Targets and Market Potential
Central to this partnership is the WAH2 Project, NH3’s flagship initiative to produce low-emissions ammonia fuel using renewable energy. The MoU with ITOCHU envisages aggregating demand for 300,000 tonnes per annum of clean ammonia, which would be supplied from the WAH2 Project. This volume represents a substantial market opportunity as the maritime industry seeks alternatives to fossil fuels amid tightening environmental regulations.
Expertise and Innovation from ITOCHU
ITOCHU’s track record includes commissioning a 5,000 m ammonia bunkering vessel and pioneering ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering demonstrations in Singapore. Their involvement brings critical expertise and credibility to NH3’s efforts, potentially accelerating the commercial viability of ammonia as a marine fuel in the Asia Pacific region.
Next Steps and Investor Engagement
NH3 is targeting a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the WAH2 Project by late 2026, a milestone that will be supported by this MoU’s collaborative business model investigations, including equity participation and financing options. To keep investors informed, NH3’s management will host a webinar on 9 December 2025, providing further updates on project progress and strategic partnerships.
Bottom Line?
This MoU with ITOCHU not only strengthens NH3’s foothold in clean ammonia bunkering but also signals growing momentum for decarbonising maritime fuel supply chains in the Asia Pacific.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the detailed financial terms and equity stakes contemplated under the MoU?
- How will regulatory developments in Australia and Asia Pacific impact ammonia bunkering adoption?
- What are the technological and logistical challenges anticipated in scaling ammonia bunkering by 2030?
