The Pilbara region is set to position itself as a world leader in clean marine fuel and shipping decarbonisation, following the release of the Pilbara Ports ‘Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub’ strategic roadmap.
The roadmap outlines a comprehensive plan to establish Australia’s first clean fuel bunkering hub in the Pilbara, enabling the use of alternative marine fuels such as ammonia.
This initiative is designed to support decarbonisation across the shipping, resource, and maritime sectors, aligning with the state government’s 2050 emissions reduction target.
The Pilbara’s strategic advantages — including high shipping volumes, proximity to emerging ammonia producers, and short transit distances to major Asian markets — make it uniquely placed to become a global clean fuel hub. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, Pilbara Ports facilitated over 7,700 vessel visits, primarily servicing the Pilbara-China iron ore route.
A transition to low-carbon fuels could yield significant environmental benefits, with the potential to reduce shipping emissions from over nine million tonnes of CO₂ per year to under 560,000 tonnes—a 94 per cent reduction.
To implement the roadmap, Pilbara Ports is collaborating with industry partners on a range of integrated workstreams.
These efforts will focus on ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially viable clean fuel bunkering, covering areas such as infrastructure, regulation, supply, demand, safety, economics, stakeholder engagement, and a 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 were transferred between the Green Pioneer and Navigator Global.
This milestone has been recognised as a significant step toward large-scale clean fuel bunkering.
A report issued by the GCMD in June 2025 confirmed that ship-to-ship ammonia transfer at anchorage can be both safe and practicable, provided recommended safeguards and operational controls are implemented.
Ports Minister Stephen Dawson hailed the strategy as a major advancement for the state, saying: “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 emphasised the region’s leadership, stating: “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 highlighted the local impact, noting: “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.”
For more information on the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategic roadmap, visit the Pilbara Ports Authority website.