NH3 Clean Energy, Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) and Oceania Marine Energy have all signed a non-binding joint development agreement (JDA) to introduce low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier in Western Australia.
Back in February, NH3 and PPA signed an agreement to explore the decarbonisation of iron ore shipments from the Port of Dampier. NH3 and Oceania Marine Energy also signed an ammonia bunkering memorandum of understanding in May 2024.
Now, a non-binding JDA between both companies alongside Oceania Marine Energy will look to establish low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier by 2030 to best serve iron ore carriers and support decarbonisation of the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor.
The JDA outlines how each company will work to launch an ammonia bunkering service from the Port of Dampier Bulk Liquids Berth to anchorage by 2030.
PPA will oversee Port of Dampier’s control and management and issue bunkering licences and for safe operations within port waters, Oceania Marine Energy will act as the bunker vessel owner and/or operator, and NH3 will supply low-emissions ammonia from its WAH2 project.
“This agreement sets a pathway for WA to become a global leader in the decarbonisation of maritime transport,” NH3 chairman Charles Whitfield said.
“The scale of the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor creates a globally significant opportunity to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) 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.”
With its scoping study and preliminary feasibility study completed, WAH2 is currently in the pre-FEED (front-end engineering design) studies stage.
The FEED entry is anticipated in mid-2025, which will create a pathway to a final investment decision in late 2026 and the start of production in the second half of 2029.
PPA is the world’s largest bulk export port authority, with over 750 million tonnes per year being shipped through its ports in the 2023–24 financial year. Approximately 300 bulk carriers are currently exporting iron ore from the Pilbara to Asia.
PPA chief executive officer Sam McSkimming said the port authority was proud to partner with NH3 and Oceania Marine Energy to advance decarbonisation efforts in the maritime industry.
“With approximately 4000 vessel visits associated with bulk exports and more than 1000 distinct bulk carriers visiting our ports annually, the Pilbara is a natural beachhead to kick start the clean fuel transition,” McSkimming said.
“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.”
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