NH3 Clean Energy, Oceania Marine Energy, and Pilbara Ports Authority have signed a Joint Development Agreement to establish low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier by 2030. The initiative aims to service bulk iron ore carriers and accelerate maritime decarbonisation across the Pilbara–Asia shipping corridor.
In a major step towards sustainable maritime fuel solutions, NH3 Clean Energy Limited (ASX: NH3) has announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania Marine Energy. The partnership targets the establishment of low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at the strategically vital Port of Dampier in Western Australia by 2030.
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Ambitious Goal: Decarbonising Bulk Shipping on a Massive Scale
The non-binding JDA sets out a coordinated framework to develop ammonia bunkering infrastructure and supply chains that will service the region’s iron ore carriers, a fleet integral to Australia’s bulk export market. The Port of Dampier, managed by Pilbara Ports Authority, is the world’s largest bulk export port, handling over 750 million tonnes of commodities annually in the 2023-24 financial year.
Given that approximately 300 bulk carriers currently export iron ore from the Pilbara to Asia, the introduction of ammonia as a marine fuel promises a transformative impact. The shift to ammonia-fuelled vessels aligns closely with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) newly ratified Net Zero Framework, effective from 2027, which imposes mandatory emissions limits and introduces a global pricing mechanism for ships over 5,000 gross tonnes.
NH3 Clean Energy’s CEO Stephen Hall highlighted that converting just sixteen ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers bunkering exclusively at the Pilbara end would require around 600,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of clean ammonia—representing over 90% of the planned output capacity of NH3’s WAH2 Project Phase 1.
Collaborative Roles Under the JDA
The three signatories have delineated clear responsibilities:
- Pilbara Ports Authority will oversee port management, including issuing bunkering licences and ensuring safe operations within port waters.
- NH3 Clean Energy will supply the low-emissions ammonia fuel through its flagship WAH2 Project.
- Oceania Marine Energy will provide bunkering services as the owner/operator of dedicated ammonia bunker vessels, utilizing ship-to-ship transfer methods at the Dampier Bulk Liquids Berth.
This integrated approach aims to finalize technical feasibility, secure environmental and regulatory approvals, and execute formal agreements that will support a final investment decision (FID) by the end of 2026.
Strategic Importance of the WAH2 Project
The WAH2 Project is central to NH3’s vision of supplying clean ammonia to power the decarbonisation of the Asia-Pacific region’s shipping and industrial sectors. By leveraging renewable energy sources to produce low-emission ammonia, the project targets key markets such as Japan and South Korea and aims to serve as a reliable bunker fuel supplier for bulk carriers transporting iron ore.
NH3 has completed its Pre-Front-End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) studies, positioning the project to enter full FEED by mid-2025. The timeline anticipates a final investment decision in late 2026 and commercial production commencement by the second half of 2029.
Leadership Driving Maritime Decarbonisation
NH3’s Chairman Charles Whitfield emphasized the global significance of the collaboration;
“This agreement sets a pathway for Western Australia to become a world leader in maritime decarbonisation. The Pilbara-Asia corridor offers a unique scale and opportunity to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and we are excited to partner with Pilbara Ports and Oceania to realise this vision.”
Pilbara Ports CEO Sam McSkimming underscored the port’s natural advantage as a clean fuel transition hub;
“With nearly 4,000 vessel visits annually linked to bulk exports, the Pilbara is ideally positioned to lead the shipping industry’s shift to green fuels. Our infrastructure and experience create a robust foundation for the investments required for maritime decarbonisation.”
Oceania Marine Energy Managing Director Nick Bentley highlighted the operational aspect;
“This JDA marks a pivotal advance towards establishing a world-class ammonia bunkering capability at Dampier. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a bunkering service ready to meet the needs of low-carbon shipping before 2030.”
Ammonia in Maritime Fuel Transition
Ammonia is rapidly gaining traction as a zero-carbon marine fuel alternative, especially for long-haul bulk carriers. The International Maritime Organisation’s regulations and the increasing orders for ammonia-capable dual-fuel vessels—currently at 29 confirmed ships scheduled for delivery before 2030—signal a clear market shift. This makes the development of reliable bunkering infrastructure critical.
Upcoming Investor Update Webinar
NH3 Clean Energy’s CEO Stephen Hall will host a detailed investor webinar on Friday, 13 June 2025 at 11AM AEST / 9AM WST, providing an update on the WAH2 Project and the implications of recent developments. Interested parties can register, please visit NH3 Clean Energy website.
About Oceania Marine Energy
Oceania Marine Energy is an Australian privately-owned company specializing in clean fuel bunkering services. Focused on developing ammonia bunkering infrastructure, Oceania plans to operate dedicated bunker vessels to supply low-emissions ammonia to vessels through ship-to-ship transfers at the Port of Dampier. Oceania aims to support the maritime industry’s global shift towards decarbonization by establishing scalable, safe, and efficient ammonia bunkering operations that meet future demand from ammonia-fueled vessels.
About Pilbara Ports Authority
Pilbara Ports Authority (Pilbara Ports) manages the Port of Dampier, which is the world’s largest bulk export port by tonnage. Handling over 750 million tonnes of bulk commodities annually, Pilbara Ports plays a critical role in Australia’s export infrastructure, particularly for iron ore shipments to Asia. Pilbara Ports is dedicated to advancing sustainability and innovation within the maritime sector, positioning itself as a leader in facilitating the transition to low-emission shipping fuels. The Authority is responsible for port operations, safety, and the issuance of bunkering licenses within port waters, supporting the development of new green fuel bunkering capabilities.
About NH3 Clean Energy Limited
NH3 Clean Energy Limited (ASX: NH3) is an Australian clean energy company focused on the development of future energy projects, with a primary emphasis on low-emissions ammonia production. Its flagship initiative, the WAH2 Project, aims to produce decarbonised ammonia using renewable energy to serve export markets in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan and South Korea. NH3 Clean Energy is committed to supporting the maritime industry’s transition to low-carbon fuels by supplying clean ammonia as a sustainable alternative bunker fuel. In addition to its energy projects, NH3 owns and explores mineral resources in Western Australia, including the McIntosh Nickel-Copper-PGE and Halls Creek Gold and Base Metals projects.
Source NH3 Clean Energy Limited