Pilbara Ports signs ammonia bunkering MoU

Pilbara Ports has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Yara Pilbara for low carbon ammonia bunkering. The companies have agreed to collaborate on government and stakeholder advocacy, develop a training program for safe ammonia handling, and are planning the necessary fuelling infrastructure at Dampier and Port Hedland ports as part of the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Initiative.

Pilbara Ports Chief Executive Officer Samuel McSkimming said: “We’re pleased to work alongside Yara Pilbara to promote the production of clean marine fuels in the Pilbara, and on ensuring Western Australia plays a leading role in the global transition to low-emission shipping. 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, while the Pilbara has the renewable energy resources, carbon capture and storage potential, and ammonia-based industry to lead in green fuel production.”

Currently, ships do not generally bunker in the Pilbara, instead taking on heavy fuel oil elsewhere for their entire outward-bound and return voyages. Launched last year, the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub outlines a strategic approach to establish a clean fuel bunkering hub in the region, enabling the use of alternative fuels such as ammonia. One successful bunkering trial has already taken place and another is set to occur in the Port of Port Hedland later this year.