Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, (MOL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a joint study to build a supply chain of renewable energy-derived ammonia (green ammonia), with a major Australian energy company Origin Energy (Origin).

MOL and Origin will complete a feasibility study on marine transportation of ammonia, demand in Japan and Asia and developing a supply chain by December of this year.

Origin is already 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.

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. In addition, green ammonia-produced using a renewable energy source that emits no CO2-can make a major contribution to reducing CO2 in the supply chain.