Itochu and NH3 Clean Energy align Asia-Pacific ammonia bunker plans
Japanese conglomerate Itochu has signed a memorandum of understanding with Norwegian ammonia producer NH3 Clean Energy to work together on ammonia supply and bunkering projects.
IMAGE: The Port of Hedland. Pilbara Ports
Itochu recently ordered a 5,000 cbm-capacity ammonia bunkering vessel that is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The vessel will be time-chartered to Itochu’s bunkering arm Zeta Bunkering to pilot ship-to-ship ammonia bunker operations in Singapore that same year. The company plans to commercialise ammonia bunkering in Singapore first, before expanding similar models into Japan, Egypt near the Suez Canal and Spain around the Strait of Gibraltar.
NH3 Clean Energy said it could supply blue ammonia from its planned 300,000 mt/year plant in Western Australia to support Itochu’s bunkering initiatives in the Asia Pacific region.
On the other hand, NH3 Clean Energy is separately working with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Oceania Marine and the Pilbara Ports Authority to develop ammonia bunkering in the ports of Dampier and Port Hedland by 2030, with initial trials planned for next year.
As part of the collaboration, Itochu would be able to deploy its bunkering vessel, develop and operate the bunkering infrastructure at these ports and also support the final investment decision for NH3 Clean Energy’s ammonia plant.
By Konica Bhatt
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