Japan’s Itochu Corporation has taken a significant step forward in the development of alternative marine fuels, with its subsidiary ZETA Bunkering receiving formal authorisation from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct ammonia bunkering trials in the Port of Singapore, according to Ship & Bunker.
The two-year authorisation, which became effective on May 15, follows the MPA’s evaluation of safety studies, risk assessments, and business plans submitted by the company, as stated in an announcement on Itochu’s website.
What the Trials Will Cover
According to Ship & Bunker, the trials are designed to assess the operational procedures, infrastructure, and technologies required to support safe and environmentally sustainable ammonia bunkering. Itochu has indicated that the trials will progress into demonstration bunkering operations in late 2027.
Those operations will be conducted in collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, with the goal of supplying ammonia fuel to dual-fuel bulk carriers operating in Singapore’s port.
Infrastructure Investment Underway
Supporting the trial programme, Itochu has ordered a dedicated 5,000 m³ ammonia bunker vessel, which is scheduled for delivery in 2027. Ship & Bunker reports that this vessel forms part of Itochu’s broader ambition to develop ammonia-fuelled ships and build out a global ammonia marine fuel supply chain.
Does This Matter to You?
For shipping and bunkering professionals operating in or around Singapore, this development is worth monitoring closely. Singapore remains one of the world’s busiest bunkering hubs, and MPA-backed trials of this nature signal a regulatory environment that is actively preparing for alternative fuel infrastructure.
Vessel operators and charterers considering future-proofing their fleets around ammonia-compatible propulsion may find the 2027 demonstration timeline relevant for planning purposes. Bunker suppliers and port service providers in Singapore may also need to begin assessing how ammonia supply chains could intersect with existing operations as the trials progress.
The involvement of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines on the demand side, combined with a dedicated bunker vessel on the supply side, suggests this is more than an experimental exercise — it represents an early-stage commercial framework for ammonia as a marine fuel.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
