HIGHLIGHTS - The objective of the non-binding JDA is to establish low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier by 2030 to service iron ore carriers and support decarbonisation of the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor.
- Pilbara Ports is the world’s largest bulk export port authority with over 750 million tonnes per year of bulk commodities being shipped through its ports in the 2023-24 financial year.
- The JDA follows the International Maritime Organisation’s recent announcement of its Net Zero Framework which sets mandatory emissions limits and a global pricing mechanism for ships over 5,000 gross tonnes from 2027.
- Western Australia has the potential to be a world leader in reducing emissions from maritime shipping.
- The JDA outlines an integrated scope of work and timetable intended to support final investment decisions for the WAH2 Project, bunker vessel and any port infrastructure by the end of 2026.
- NH3’s CEO, Stephen Hall, will host a webinar to update investors on the implications of recent progress on 13 June 2025, details below.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Approximately 300² bulk carriers currently export iron ore from the Pilbara to Asia. Sixteen bulk carriers using ammonia as fuel and bunkering exclusively at the Pilbara end of the route would require ~600,000 TPA of clean ammonia – more than 90% of the planned production capacity of WAH2 Phase 1. There are currently 29 ammonia capable duel-fueled bulk carriers on order3 for delivery prior to 2030
The JDA establishes the framework for how the parties intend to work together with the aim of establishing an ammonia bunkering service from Dampier Bulk Liquids Berth to anchorage by 2030. The signatories recognise that an integrated and coordinated approach will be required with: - Pilbara Ports responsible for the control and management of the Port of Dampier, for issuing bunkering licences and for safe operations within port waters;
- NH3 as the supplier of low-emissions ammonia from its WAH₂ Project; and
- Oceania as the bunker vessel owner and/or operator. Oceania is an Australian privatelyowned company intending to establish a bunkering business at the Port of Dampier that would use bunker vessels to supply low-emissions ammonia via ship-to-ship transfer.
The JDA outlines an integrated scope of work and timetable intended to confirm the technical feasibility of bunkering operations, and thereafter secure primary environmental and regulatory approvals and have the formal agreements in place to support final investment decisions for the WAH₂ Project, bunker vessel and any port infrastructure by the end of 2026.
This JDA builds on NH3’s previous MoUs and ongoing collaboration with Pilbara Ports⁴ and Oceania⁵. It is seen as an important step towards future agreements with bunkering customers.
NH3’s Chairman Charles Whitfield commented:
“This agreement sets a pathway for WA to become a global leader in the decarbonisation of maritime transport. The scale of the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor creates a globally significant opportunity to reduce GHG emissions and NH3 is extremely excited to join with Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania with the aim of making this a reality. We look forward to being able to make more announcements around the WAH₂ Project in the coming months.”
Pilbara Ports’ CEO, Sam McSkimming commented:
“Pilbara Ports is proud to partner with NH3 and Oceania to advance decarbonisation efforts in the maritime industry. With approximately 4,000 vessel visits associated with bulk exports and more than 1,000 distinct bulk carriers visiting our ports annually, the Pilbara is a natural beachhead to kick start the clean fuel transition. The green iron corridor between the Pilbara and East Asia has the scale, stable demand, port infrastructure, and risk management experience, to support the significant investment that maritime decarbonisation requires.”
Nick Bentley, Managing Director of Oceania Marine Energy commented:
“This Joint Development Agreement marks a major step forward towards our shared commitment to establishing a world-class clean fuel bunkering capability at the Port of Dampier. Together with NH3 and Pilbara Ports Authority, we are laying the foundation for an at-scale ammonia bunkering operation that will be ready to support the global transition to low-carbon shipping before 2030”.
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