ITOCHU Corporation has signed a joint development agreement with Toray Industries and Uyeno Transtech to advance plans for an ammonia bunkering hub in Japan.
The initiative will study safety procedures, required infrastructure, regulatory approvals and commercial conditions, with the aim of establishing a reliable supply chain for ammonia as a marine fuel.
The project comes as the IMO prepares to introduce measures that will accelerate the transition to alternative fuels and zero-emission vessels, supporting its target of net-zero emissions from shipping by around 2050. Ammonia is increasingly viewed as a viable zero-emission fuel, and bunkering hubs are seen as a key enabler of its adoption.
As part of its integrated project, ITOCHU has already ordered an ammonia bunkering vessel from a domestic shipyard. The vessel will first demonstrate operations in Singapore, before potentially being relocated to Japan to meet emerging demand.
ITOCHU said the collaboration reflects its strategy to expand ammonia-fuelled shipping solutions and promote the early social implementation of ammonia as a marine fuel, in line with its commitment to global decarbonisation.
