NH3 Clean Energy, Pilbara Ports Authority, and Oceania Marine Energy aim to establish hydrogen-derived, low-emission ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier in Australia by 2030.
Under a Joint Development Agreement (JDA), the partners will collaborate to deliver the necessary infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and commercial frameworks to support the refuelling of ammonia-powered bulk carriers exporting iron ore to Asia.
NH3 will continue to develop its WAH2 ammonia production project in Western Australia. The initiative has already completed Pre-FEED and is targeting FEED entry by mid-2025.
Oceania will develop and operate ammonia bunker vessels, working with NH3 and Pilbara Ports to align design and operations with port and fuel supply needs, while Pilbara Ports Authority will oversee planning, upgrades, and licensing to ensure safe ammonia bunkering and regulatory compliance.
The JDA outlines a coordinated plan to reach final investment decisions by late 2026, enabling the commencement of ammonia bunkering in 2030.
Up to 29 dual-fuel, ammonia-capable bulk carriers are already on order for delivery before 2030, according to the Ammonia Energy Association, designed to meet new IMO emissions rules from 2027.