Pilbara Ports on Tuesday (17 June) published the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategic roadmap to establish Australia’s first clean fuel bunkering hub in the Pilbara.

Lower carbon ammonia fuels could cut regional shipping emissions by up to 94%. 

Positioning the Pilbara as a global hub for clean marine fuel and the decarbonisation of international shipping are at the centre of a new roadmap released today. 

The Pilbara Ports ‘Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub’ outlines a strategic roadmap to establish a clean fuel bunkering hub in the region, enabling the use of alternative marine fuels such as ammonia. The first of its type in Australia, the bunkering hub would support decarbonisation efforts across the shipping, resource and maritime sectors, in line with the State Government 2050 emissions reduction target.

The Pilbara is uniquely placed to become a global clean fuel hub due to its high shipping volumes, proximity to emerging ammonia producers, and short transit distances to major Asian markets. In 2023-24 alone, Pilbara Ports facilitated over 7,700 vessel visits, primarily on the Pilbara-China iron ore route.

A shift to low-carbon fuels could reduce shipping emissions from more than nine million tonnes of CO2 per year to under 560,000 tonnes – a 94% reduction. 

To support the delivery of the strategic roadmap, Pilbara Ports is working with industry partners to progress a number of integrated workstreams to guide safe, efficient and commercially viable clean fuel bunkering covering infrastructure, regulation, supply, demand, safety, economics, stakeholder engagement and a future potential trial at the Port of Port Hedland in 2026.

The release of the roadmap follows a world first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer trial at anchorage in the Port of Dampier in September 2024. In partnership with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Yara Clean Ammonia, 2,700 tonnes of ammonia was transferred between the Green Pioneer and Navigator Global. This global first has been recognised as a significant step toward large scale clean fuel bunkering. 

Upon completion of the trial, a report was issued in June 2025 by the GCMD with key findings confirming that ship-to-ship ammonia transfer at anchorage can be both safe and practicable, provided that recommended safeguards and operational controls are implemented.

Ports Minister Stephen Dawson, said: “The launch of Pilbara Ports ‘Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub Strategy’ is a pivotal step forward for Western Australia’s clean energy future. 

“By enabling clean fuel bunkering in the Pilbara, we are helping global shipping reduce emissions while unlocking new economic and industrial opportunities for the State. 

“If we are to reach net zero targets by 2050 all sectors of the economy have a role to play.”

Energy and Decarbonisation and Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, said: “Innovative thinking has positioned the Pilbara’s mining industry as global leaders.

“Now the region can lead the way in slashing carbon emissions across the shipping, resource and maritime sectors by becoming a clean fuel bunkering hub.

“This is an excellent example of collaboration across industry and government to help us meet our decarbonisation targets.”

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel, said: “As the world transitions to cleaner energy, we’re investing in the infrastructure and partnerships that will make clean fuel bunkering a reality – right here on our doorstep.

“This Strategy positions our ports at the forefront of global sustainability efforts.”

Note: Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategic roadmap can be viewed here. 

Related: GCMD presents key learnings from ammonia STS transfer trial at Pilbara, Australia
Related: GCMD: STS ammonia transfers pave way for ammonia bunkering in Pilbara region

Photo credit: Pilbara Ports
Published: 18 June, 2025