Pilbara Ports Authority and Yara have signed a collaboration agreement for a feasibility study into ammonia bunkering in the Pilbara.
Bunkering is the process of delivering fuel to ships, either at berth in a port or at sea.
Ammonia is currently used to produce fertilisers and chemicals, but in future may be used as an alternative green fuel for the maritime industry.
This feasibility study is an important step on the path towards a net zero shipping industry and will assess potential demand, feasibility, infrastructure requirements, safety considerations and the establishment of ammonia bunkering guidelines.
The joint assessment will be undertaken over the next year, with the results to inform future plans.
Yara is currently working on a number of green ammonia pilot projects around the world, including in the Pilbara.
The State Government is supporting the development of a green ammonia industry in the Pilbara, with a $2 million investment from the Renewable Hydrogen Fund towards Yara and ENGIE’s Yuri Project, focusing on green ammonia and hydrogen.
As stated by Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This collaboration creates opportunities to work together to try and reduce carbon emissions, and explore the potential to use clean ammonia as a green fuel in the shipping industry.
“This study is an important first step on the path towards providing an alternative to fossil fuels – and ultimately decarbonising the maritime industry, alongside other green fuels like hydrogen.
“Our Government welcomes the collaboration agreement with Yara, which sets out the framework for a feasibility study into ammonia bunkering.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“Our Government is committed to minimising carbon emissions, and this collaboration agreement between Pilbara Ports Authority and Yara is an important step to delivering a new, clean fuel for our maritime industry.
“The ongoing investment by our Government towards renewable energy projects and our ports is helping to drive the local economy, and create new job opportunities for locals.”
