ASX-listed NH3 Clean Energy has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania Marine Energy to develop a low-emissions ammonia bunkering operation at the Port of Dampier, in a bid to decarbonise iron-ore shipping from Western Australia to Asia.

The initiative targets the iron-ore export fleet, with NH3 estimating that just 16 ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers bunkering at Dampier could consume about 600 000 t/y of clean ammonia – equivalent to more than 90% of its planned WAH2 project’s initial output.

“This agreement sets a pathway for WA to become a global leader in the decarbonisation of maritime transport,” said NH3 chairperson Charles Whitfield. “The scale of the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor creates a globally significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and NH3 is extremely excited to join with Pilbara Ports Authority and Oceania with the aim of making this a reality.”

Pilbara Ports, which handled more than 750-million tonnes of bulk exports in 2023/24, is the world’s biggest bulk export port authority. The region’s iron-ore miners rely on the corridor to ship hundreds of millions of tonnes every year.

“Pilbara Ports is proud to partner with NH3 and Oceania to advance decarbonisation efforts in the maritime industry,” said CEO Sam McSkimming. “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.”

The JDA outlines a joint pathway to commission a ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering service from Dampier’s Bulk Liquids Berth by 2030. NH3 will act as ammonia supplier, Pilbara Ports will oversee port licensing and safety, and Oceania will own and operate the bunker vessels.

Ammonia-fuelled shipping is gaining momentum following the International Maritime Organisation’s new Net Zero Framework, which introduces emissions limits and pricing for vessels over 5 000 gross tonnes from 2027. There are 29 ammonia-capable bulk carriers already on order globally, with deliveries expected before 2030.

The JDA is structured to support final investment decisions for the WAH2 project and related port infrastructure by the end of 2026.