ITOCHU & partners: developing an ammonia bunkering hub in Japan

Click to learn more. ITOCHU’s ammonia bunkering vessel which will be based at the Singapore Bunkering Hub from 2027 will be managed by BSM. Source: ITOCHU.

ITOCHU Corporation, TORAY Industries and Uyeno Transtech have announced a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for development of an ammonia bunkering hub in Japan. The parties will collaborate to study the safety operation of ammonia bunkering facilities, obtain relevant permits, and to assess the “commercial terms and conditions” of ammonia bunkering.

This announcement follows ITOCHU’s order of a newbuild ammonia bunkering vessel in June this year. The company plans to use the new vessel in Singapore to conduct ammonia bunkering demonstrations and, thereafter, set up an ammonia bunkering business. Simultaneously, ITOCHU plans to study the development of the supply chain of ammonia as a marine fuel to Japan, with a view to relocating the new bunkering vessel there.

In the JDA, the three parties intend to establish the following: the necessary equipment and facility on land compatible with the ammonia bunkering vessel, build knowledge on ammonia procurement and handling, negotiations with local governments, the Japan Coast Guard and related entities.

BSM: management of ITOCHU’s Singapore-based ammonia bunkering vessel

Ship management company Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has announced it will be responsible for the technical management of ITOCHU’s new ammonia bunkering vessel, set to be based in Singapore. The 5,000 cubic metres capacity vessel is set to be delivered in 2027.

BSM already has preparations underway for the management of the ammonia bunkering vessel and ammonia-fuelled ships. The company is equipping staff on operational procedures for ammonia-related challenges. BSM also conducts ammonia training courses at its Maritime Training Centres (MTC) to disseminate fundamental knowledge on new fuels. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce an ammonia bunkering simulator at the MTC in Kochi in Q2 2026 to prepare seafarers for a low-carbon future.

This is a significant milestone in our ongoing collaboration with ITOCHU. Since 2022, BSM Germany has actively participated in ITOCHU working groups to support the development of a global ammonia supply chain infrastructure. We have contributed extensive experience in both carrying ammonia as a cargo and in cryogenic bunkering.

Nick Topham, Managing Director of BSM Germany, in his organisation’s official press release, 30 September 2025