Tokyo, August 19, 2025 — In a bold move positioning Japan at the forefront of maritime decarbonization, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and ITOCHU Corporation have officially signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to conduct the ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering demonstration in Singapore, scheduled for the second half of 2027.
This pioneering collaboration between two of Japan’s maritime powerhouses marks a critical turning point in the global push to transition marine fuel infrastructure toward zero-emission alternatives. The demonstration will utilize the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers—co-owned by MOL and Belgium’s CMB.TECH—and a newly ordered 5,000 m³ ammonia bunkering vessel commissioned by ITOCHU.
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Charting a New Course for Clean Fuel Supply Chains
As the maritime industry navigates toward the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) target of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by or around 2050, ammonia is gaining traction as a viable alternative marine fuel due to its carbon-free combustion properties. However, fueling infrastructure remains a bottleneck for adoption.
This initiative directly addresses that challenge. The MOL-ITOCHU partnership aims to operationalize the first real-world example of offshore ammonia bunkering, a breakthrough that could catalyze global investment in ammonia bunkering vessels—critical “last-mile” links in the alternative fuel supply chain.
Singapore: The Strategic Hub for Next-Gen Bunkering
The demonstration will take place in Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering port, leveraging its strategic location and regulatory momentum. ITOCHU’s ammonia bunkering vessel, under construction at Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., will be Singapore-flagged, reinforcing the city-state’s emerging role as a leader in low- and zero-carbon shipping solutions.
Simultaneously, MOL’s ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers—being built by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in China—will be deployed to support the trials. These vessels will not only be the first of their kind globally, but also chartered directly by MOL to ensure operational readiness and safety.
From Demonstration to Commercialization
Beyond the 2027 trial, both companies signal intent to commercialize ammonia bunkering operations, first in Singapore and subsequently in key global shipping corridors. The scale and ambition of this initiative indicate a growing alignment between shipowners, fuel suppliers, and regulators on the future of marine fuel.
In a joint statement, MOL and ITOCHU emphasized their shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition in shipping:
“This partnership represents not only a technical milestone but also a significant commercial step toward establishing a viable global ammonia bunkering business. It’s the beginning of a new era for maritime energy.”
A Cornerstone of MOL’s Environmental Vision 2.2
This agreement is a key pillar of MOL’s Environmental Vision 2.2, which targets net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and prioritizes the adoption of clean fuels like ammonia. By addressing two of the MOL Group’s material sustainability issues—marine environment conservation and technological innovation—this initiative reflects a strong commitment to decarbonization leadership.
Industry-Wide Implications
With IMO-backed regulatory reforms on the horizon—including incentives for zero-emission fuels and phased transition away from fossil-based marine fuels—the MOL-ITOCHU ammonia bunkering project stands as a template for other stakeholders looking to future-proof their operations.
As interest in ammonia surges across the fuel and shipping sectors, this landmark JDA offers a concrete pathway from promise to practice—ensuring that when zero-emission vessels are ready, the infrastructure to fuel them safely, efficiently, and globally will be too.
About ITOCHU Corporation
The history of ITOCHU Corporation dates to 1858 when the Company’s founder Chubei Itoh commenced linen trading operations. Since then, ITOCHU has evolved and grown over 160 years. With approximately 90 bases in 61 countries, ITOCHU, one of the leading sogo shosha, is engaging in domestic trading, import/export, and overseas trading of various products such as textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, and finance, as well as business investment in Japan and overseas.
About Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)
MOL is a global leader in shipping, operating over 800 ships worldwide. Its diverse fleet includes bulk carriers, liquefied natural gas carriers, Ro-Ro car carrier ships, and oil tankers, among others. Beyond traditional shipping, MOL also engages in social infrastructure businesses, including real estate, terminal and logistics, and offshore wind power. With one of the largest merchant fleets and 140 years of history, MOL aims to be a resilient corporate group that provides new value to all stakeholders.
Source Mitsui O.S.K. Lines