Itochu Corporation has received authorisation from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct ammonia bunkering trials in the city-state, marking a step forward in the trading house's efforts to establish ammonia as a marine fuel.

The authorisation, issued on 27 April and effective from 15 May, allows Itochu's wholly owned subsidiary ZETA Bunkering to conduct trials for up to two years, subject to MPA's regulatory framework.

The approval followed MPA's review of submissions including safety studies, risk assessments, and business plans for ammonia bunkering operations. According to Itochu, the trials will verify technical readiness, operational protocols, infrastructure, and technologies to inform the development of safe and environmentally sustainable ammonia bunkering practices.

Itochu plans to conduct demonstration trials during the fourth quarter of 2027, supplying ammonia fuel from a purpose-built bunker vessel to dual-fuel Capesize bulkers jointly owned by CMB.TECH NV and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and chartered by MOL, within Singapore's port. The demonstrations are subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

The ammonia bunker vessel, ordered in June 2025 through Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping, another wholly owned Itochu subsidiary, is being constructed by Sasaki Shipbuilding and is expected to be delivered in September 2027. The vessel will be flagged under the Singapore Registry of Ships.

Itochu stated it will work with MPA and other maritime stakeholders to develop infrastructure, technologies, and operational standards for ammonia bunkering. The company added that it will formulate detailed implementation plans, conduct risk assessments, and establish emergency response measures.

The trials form part of Itochu's integrated project for developing and owning ammonia-fuelled vessels and establishing a global supply chain for ammonia as a marine fuel. The company aims to commercialise ammonia bunkering operations in Singapore and at other maritime hubs worldwide.

Itochu's management policy, "The Brand-new Deal — Profit opportunities are shifting downstream —", focuses on enhancing contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals through business activities. The company stated it will continue promoting its integrated project for ammonia-fuelled vessels and work towards their implementation to contribute to the decarbonisation of international shipping.