ITOCHU and MOL join forces for ammonia bunkering demonstration

ITOCHU Corporation and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) have announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to conduct ammonia bunkering demonstrations, marking a significant step in accelerating the adoption of low-emission marine fuels.

This collaboration comes amid growing momentum to decarbonize international shipping, as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues discussions on regulatory measures aiming for net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.

As part of its broader strategy, ITOCHU placed an order in June 2025 for the world’s first 5,000 m³ ammonia bunkering vessel, which will be built by Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., flagged under the Singapore Registry, and delivered in 2027. This vessel will support safe offshore ammonia bunkering operations, positioning ITOCHU as a key player in the emerging global ammonia fuel supply chain.

In parallel, MOL is preparing to operate the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers, developed in partnership with CMB.TECH and built by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (China), with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2027.

Under the new agreement, ITOCHU and MOL will jointly demonstrate ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering in Singapore in the second half of 2027, using their respective ammonia bunkering and ammonia-fueled vessels. The initiative aims to accelerate the commercial deployment of ammonia as a zero-emission marine fuel.

More information at: https://www.itochu.co.jp/en/news/news/2025/250819.html