NH3 Clean Energy (ASX: NH3) will supply product from its flagship WAH2 ammonia project in Western Australia to Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation for the development of ammonia-fuelled shipping and bunkering operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), NH3 will supply 300,000 tonnes per annum of clean ammonia to ITOCHU over the next two years to meet projected demand.
The companies will investigate business models for all elements of the supply chain including equity participation and financing, with the findings to support a final investment decision for WAH2 in late 2026.
The project will leverage proven technology, strategic partnerships and existing infrastructure – including the deepwater Port of Dampier, existing gas pipelines and mature carbon capture and storage facilities – to deliver at scale.
Clean Ammonia Transition
“ITOCHU has consistently demonstrated its desire to be a leader in the transition of maritime transport to clean ammonia,” NH3 chair Charles Whitfield said.
“It has already ordered an ammonia bunkering vessel to undertake the first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering in Singapore and announced a joint development agreement for ammonia bunkering in Japan.”
“We own the region’s leading clean ammonia project and ITOCHU makes an ideal partner to help us develop the huge market potential in the Asia-Pacific.”
“NH3 leverages robust partnerships with key Australian stakeholders and brings the concept of a comprehensive clean ammonia supply chain,” ITOCHU’s Takeo Akamatsu said.
“We are pleased to support the introduction of ammonia bunkering operations at the Pilbara ports, which are renowned for their significant export volumes.”
Port of Dampier Bunkering
The ITOCHU agreement follows an ++initial collaboration between NH3, Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania Marine Energy++ to establish clean ammonia bunkering operations at Port of Dampier.
The partnership will service iron ore bulk carriers and support the decarbonisation of the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor.
NH3 and Oceania signed a subsequent MoU with global shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines to develop a single, integrated proposition for clean ammonia-fuelled shipping and bunkering to help decarbonise Australian iron ore exports.
NH3 expects to complete the WAH2 project by 2030.
