MOL and ITOCHU partner on Singapore ammonia bunkering demo, pioneering dual-fuel bulkers and bunkering vessels, advancing global clean maritime fuel adoption.
Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and leading trading company ITOCHU Corporation have officially entered into a joint development agreement (JDA) to advance ammonia bunkering demonstration projects in Singapore. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in their efforts to support the global transition toward cleaner marine fuels and to accelerate the adoption of ammonia as a viable option for decarbonizing the shipping industry.
The agreement focuses on conducting a ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering demonstration, scheduled for the second half of 2027. The demonstration will utilize an ammonia bunkering vessel along with ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulk carriers, both owned and developed under the partnership of MOL and ITOCHU. This initiative highlights the determination of both companies to pioneer early adoption of ammonia bunkering solutions and to create the foundation for future large-scale deployment of ammonia-fueled vessels in international shipping routes.
As part of this effort, MOL is already advancing its fleet modernization. The company has partnered with Belgian firm CMB.TECH to jointly own three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulk carriers, which are expected to be the world’s first of their kind. These vessels are currently under construction by China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, with deliveries planned between 2026 and 2027. Once completed, they will be chartered by MOL, strengthening the company’s leadership role in sustainable maritime operations.
Parallel to this, ITOCHU has also made substantial investments to support the initiative. In June 2025, the company placed an order for a 5,000 cubic meter ammonia bunkering vessel, which will be constructed by Sasaki Shipbuilding in Japan. This vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027 and will be registered under the Singapore Registry, ensuring its operation aligns with one of the world’s busiest maritime hubs.
By spearheading this project, ITOCHU seeks to establish safe and reliable offshore ammonia bunkering operations, which are critical for ensuring the successful integration of ammonia as a marine fuel. Beyond the Singapore demonstration, the company intends to expand its ammonia bunkering business into other strategic maritime locations worldwide, helping to create a global infrastructure network for ammonia fueling.
This initiative by MOL and ITOCHU underscores how leading shipping and trading corporations are preparing to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization targets. With growing international pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport, ammonia is increasingly seen as a promising alternative to traditional fossil-based marine fuels due to its potential for carbon-free combustion when produced from renewable sources.
Together, MOL and ITOCHU’s efforts represent a crucial step toward realizing a sustainable global bunkering ecosystem. By aligning vessel development, bunkering infrastructure, and demonstration projects, both companies are setting the stage for ammonia to become a cornerstone fuel in the next era of shipping.
