Pilbara, Western Australia — June 2025, Pilbara Ports has announced a transformative step for the global maritime industry with the release of its ‘Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub’ strategic roadmap, a pioneering initiative designed to establish Australia’s first clean marine fuel bunkering hub—with a bold long-term vision for 100% of Pilbara export vessels to be powered by clean fuels.
This initiative solidifies the Pilbara as a global leader in maritime decarbonisation, leveraging its position as the world’s largest bulk export port authority to drive the clean energy transition across international shipping lanes.
Unlocking the Pilbara’s Potential for a Cleaner Future
Pilbara Ports is uniquely positioned to shape a lower-carbon future for global trade. As the gateway for Australia’s iron ore and resource exports, the Pilbara handles more than 7,700 vessel visits annually, primarily on the Pilbara–China corridor. With an eye to the future, Pilbara Ports has set a clear goal:
“For 100% of bulk export vessels departing the Pilbara to be powered by clean fuels.”
This bold vision will support customers, global supply chains, and Pilbara communities by creating a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready port ecosystem.
Pilbara to Cut Shipping Emissions by 94% with Clean Fuels Like Ammonia
At the heart of the strategy is a shift to alternative marine fuels, particularly ammonia, which could reduce emissions from over 9 million tonnes of CO₂ per year to just 560,000 tonnes—a 94% reduction.
Given its high shipping volumes, proximity to emerging clean ammonia producers, and geographic advantage in servicing key Asian markets, the Pilbara is uniquely placed to become a global ammonia bunkering hub.
Port of Dampier: Home to the World’s First Ship-to-Ship Ammonia Bunkering Trial
In a globally recognised milestone, the Port of Dampier hosted the world’s first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer at anchorage in September 2024. Conducted in partnership with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Yara Clean Ammonia, the trial successfully transferred 4,000 cubic metres (approx. 2,700 tonnes) of ammonia between the Green Pioneer and Navigator Global.
The trial demonstrated that ammonia can be safely bunkered at anchorages, paving the way for operational readiness at scale. A June 2025 GCMD report validated that with the correct safeguards, such transfers are safe, practical, and replicable globally.
“The global shipping industry is an ecosystem, in which making change depends on multiple organisations coming together to collaborate,” Pilbara Ports shared. “Each such trial brings us incrementally closer to meeting our shared goals for carbon reduction.”
Strategy Framework and Next Steps
The Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub Strategy outlines eight key workstreams to ensure the safe, efficient, and commercially viable adoption of ammonia and other clean fuels. These include:
- Infrastructure planning
- Port safety standards
- Fuel supply chain development
- Regulation and policy support
- Economic modelling and demand analysis
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Workforce and operational readiness
- A potential trial at Port Hedland in 2026
This integrated approach ensures that Pilbara Ports is not only leading in concept, but also in execution, with the backing of both government and industry.
Leadership Comments: Backing a Clean Maritime Future
Stephen Dawson, WA Minister for Ports, described the roadmap as a “pivotal step” in achieving the state’s clean energy ambitions: “By enabling clean fuel bunkering in the Pilbara, we are helping global shipping reduce emissions while unlocking new economic and industrial opportunities for the State.”
Amber-Jade Sanderson, Minister for Energy, Decarbonisation, and the Pilbara, praised the collaborative effort “The region can now lead the way in slashing carbon emissions across the shipping, resource, and maritime sectors by becoming a clean fuel bunkering hub.”
Kevin Michel, MLA for Pilbara, emphasised the local impact “As the world transitions to cleaner energy, we’re investing in the infrastructure and partnerships that will make clean fuel bunkering a reality—right here on our doorstep.”
Ammonia as Marine Fuel
Ammonia is emerging as one of the most viable clean marine fuels due to its carbon-free combustion and scalability in existing maritime infrastructure. When produced from renewable sources (green ammonia), it offers zero-emissions propulsion for ocean-going vessels, ideal for long-distance international shipping routes.
The success of ship-to-ship trials and regulatory progress in the Pilbara signifies a global turning point, moving ammonia bunkering from theory to operational reality.
About Pilbara Ports
Pilbara Ports Authority is the world’s largest bulk export port authority, operating key Western Australian ports including Port Hedland, Dampier, and Ashburton. With a legacy of enabling Australia’s resource economy, Pilbara Ports is now steering its strategic vision toward decarbonisation and clean fuel leadership.
Source Pilbara Ports Authority