WA decarbonises iron ore exports

NH3 Clean Energy (ASX: NH3) has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Pilbara Ports and Oceania Marine Energy for the establishment of low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier.

The operations, aimed to be completed by 2030, will service iron ore carriers and support the energy transition across the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor.

The JDA follows the International Maritime Organisation’s announcement of its net zero framework that sets mandatory emissions limits and a global pricing mechanism for ships over 5,000t as of 2027.

The JDA outlines an integrated scope of work and timetable that intends to confirm the technical feasibility of bunkering operations whilst securing primary environmental and regulatory approvals.

Pilbara Ports chief executive Sam McSkimming says the company 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,” he 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.”

Pilbara Ports is the world’s largest bulk export port authority with over 750mt annually of bulk commodities being shipped through its ports in FY24.

The collaboration with future energy focused NH3 and state-of-the-art ammonia bunker vessel producer Oceania is set to propel the global shipping industry closer to its sustainability goals.

NH3 chairman Charles Whitfield says the 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 greenhouse gas emissions and NH3 is extremely excited to join with Pilbara Ports and Oceania with the aim of making this a reality,” he said.

Final investment decisions for the project, bunker vessels and any port infrastructure are expected by the end of 2026.