Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) said it has joined forces with Origin Energy to work on green ammonia projects in Australia.
In that regard, the duo signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint study to build a supply chain of renewable energy-derived ammonia, MOL said in a statement.
Origin, the owner of a 37.5% APLNG stake, is pursuing a number of green ammonia and hydrogen projects, including a green ammonia export project in Bell Bay, Tasmania, with first cargo targeted for 2026.
MOL and Origin would complete a feasibility study on marine transportation of ammonia, demand in Japan and Asia and developing a supply chain by December of this year, the statement said.
Ammonia “in the spotlight”
“As a next-generation clean energy source that produces no carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion, and as a carrier for transporting hydrogen, ammonia is in the spotlight as a promising energy resource that can help meet the 2050 target set by the Japanese government for achieving a carbon-neutral society,” MOL said.
Worth mentioning here, Phoenix Tankers, a unit of Japan’s shipping giant MOL, has recently ordered one very large gas carrier which can transport both LPG and ammonia.
Moreover, the vessel will be 230 meters long and 36.6 wide, making it the world’s largest-scale ammonia carrier, according to MOL.
Origin’s general manager of future fuels, Tracey Boyes said in a separate statement, “Australia is in the box seat to develop a world-leading hydrogen sector” due to the abundance of renewable resources and proximity to Asian markets.
“Many nations have committed to ambitious carbon targets, and partners such as Mitsui O.S.K Lines will be crucial to underpinning the development of a strong hydrogen sector here in Australia,” Boyes said.
“Origin is in a strong position to leverage our expertise in LNG export and delivering complex major projects,” she added.
