MOL Teams Up with JERA for Long-Term Ammonia Transportation Agreement Featuring Low-Carbon Shipments

MOL and JERA's Groundbreaking Ammonia Transportation Agreement

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has recently announced a significant partnership with JERA Co., Inc. This collaboration involves a long-term charter agreement for two Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) specifically designed for ammonia transportation. According to this agreement, MOL will transport low-carbon ammonia produced at JERA's Blue Point facility in Louisiana, USA, to the Hekinan Thermal Power Station located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, commencing around 2029.

This contract marks a crucial step in establishing a maritime transport system for low-carbon ammonia, enabling Japan to realize its first major-scale ammonia shipping initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The collaboration emphasizes a commitment to leveraging ammonia as a next-generation clean energy source, known for its zero CO2 emissions during combustion. As a versatile fuel, ammonia is expected to play a vital role in both electrical generation and maritime fueling solutions, in addition to its potential as a hydrogen carrier.

Since November 2022, MOL has been exploring collaborations with JERA focused on fuel ammonia transportation. The recently finalized agreement follows the basic terms established in 2025 and aims to bring the low-carbon ammonia value chain to commercial scale, thereby enhancing the transportation of ammonia while ensuring both quality and safety standards.

Ammonia's promise lies in its potential to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions when compared to traditional production methods. Given the growing focus on clean energy solutions globally, the demand for ammonia is projected to rise significantly in the foreseeable future. MOL is strategically positioned within this emerging market, as emphasized in their management plan,