Singapore Authorises ITOCHU’s Ammonia Bunkering Trials At Major Shipping Hub
Our take
The recent authorization by Singapore for ITOCHU to conduct ammonia bunkering trials marks a pivotal moment in the maritime industry, particularly in the realm of transitioning toward more sustainable fuel sources. Effective from May 15, 2026, this initiative will undergo a trial period of up to two years, subject to the Maritime and Port Authority's (MPA) regulatory framework. As the shipping industry grapples with the pressing need to decarbonize, this development aligns with broader trends seen in other regions, such as Japan's MOL signing its first annual LNG bunkering deal for car carriers, which highlights the push towards cleaner fuel alternatives. Furthermore, this shift is echoed in geopolitical contexts as seen in Iran's recent maritime maneuvers, including Iran’s IRGC Navy Says 35 Commercial Ships Transited Through Strait Of Hormuz With Its Permission, indicating that shipping is as much about energy transitions as it is about geopolitical stability.
Ammonia as a marine fuel presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it offers a pathway to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional marine fuels. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targeting a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, ammonia could play a crucial role in meeting these ambitious targets. However, the transition is fraught with complexities, including safety considerations and the need for infrastructure development. The trials in Singapore will provide empirical data and insights into the operational feasibility of ammonia bunkering, which could be invaluable as the global shipping industry navigates this transformative period.
This initiative is also indicative of a larger global movement towards innovation and collaboration in maritime logistics. The interconnected nature of shipping means that advancements in one region can serve as a blueprint for others. As the industry becomes increasingly cognizant of its environmental impact, collaborative efforts to share knowledge and best practices will be essential. The focus on integrated data ecosystems in maritime operations, as discussed in our piece on The science of us, underlines the importance of leveraging technology and data to foster informed decision-making in the quest for sustainability.
As we look to the future, the implications of these ammonia trials extend beyond immediate operational outcomes. They signal a shift in the maritime sector's mindset, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to fuel sourcing and energy management. However, it raises pertinent questions about the scalability of ammonia as a widely adopted marine fuel and the regulatory frameworks necessary to support such transitions. The success of this initiative could influence global standards and practices, fostering a more unified approach towards cleaner maritime operations. Ultimately, the industry must remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving landscape of maritime fuel solutions as we collectively strive toward a sustainable ocean future.
ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Keita Ishii, President & COO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) announced that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has granted authorisation to ZETA Bunkering Pte. Ltd. (hereinafter “ZETA”), a wholly owned subsidiary of ITOCHU, to conduct ammonia bunkering trials in Singapore (hereinafter “Authorisation”).
The Authorisation was granted following MPA’s review of ZETA’s submissions, which included comprehensive safety studies, risk assessments, and business plans for ammonia bunkering in Singapore.
The ammonia bunkering trials to be conducted under this Authorisation will serve to verify the technical readiness, operational protocols, infrastructure, and technologies, to assess and inform the development of safe and environmentally sustainable ammonia bunkering practices in Singapore.
The Authorisation was issued on April 27, 2026, and will become effective on May 15, 2026, for a trial period up to two years subject to MPA’s prevailing regulatory framework
In June 2025, as part of ITOCHU’s integrated project for developing and owning of ammonia-fuelled vessels and the establishment of a global supply chain for ammonia as marine fuel (hereinafter “Integrated Project”), ITOCHU placed an order for the world’s first newbuilding ammonia bunker vessel, through Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of ITOCHU, being constructed by Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (which will be flagged under the Singapore Registry of Shipping and is expected to be delivered in September 2027).*
The Authorisation will accelerate ITOCHU’s initiatives to decarbonise international shipping. Specifically, ITOCHU plans to conduct demonstration trials (hereinafter “Demonstrations”) in collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (hereinafter “MOL”), supplying ammonia fuel from the ammonia bunker vessel to dual-fuel Capesize bulkers, jointly owned by CMB.TECH NV (Belgium) and MOL, and chartered by MOL, within the port of Singapore during the last quarter of 2027, subject to the relevant regulatory approvals.
Through these Demonstrations and subsequent ammonia bunkering trial operations under the Authorisation, ITOCHU will work closely with MPA and other maritime stakeholders to develop infrastructure, technologies, and operational standards for ammonia bunkering that prioritise safety and environmental sustainability. ITOCHU will also formulate detailed implementation plans, conduct risk assessments, and establish emergency response measures, ensuring that safety and environmental protection remain paramount.
These trials will enable ITOCHU to establish safe and sustainable ship-to-ship bunkering operations using ammonia as marine fuel, with the aim of commercialising the ammonia bunkering business in Singapore and at major maritime hubs worldwide.
ITOCHU’s new management policy, “The Brand-new Deal – Profit opportunities are shifting downstream –”, focuses on enhancing contributions to and engagement with the SDGs through business activities, while listening to all stakeholders, including the market and society.
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