New terminal infrastructure for ammonia energy imports: Japan, Netherlands & Africa

IHI & Vopak: exploring new terminals in Japan

The pair will explore the development and operation of large-scale ammonia terminals in Japan, “strategically positioned for the economical distribution of ammonia”. Currently, Vopak has ammonia storage capacity in China, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia and in the US and is collaborating on the development of a CCS-based mega-project on the Houston Ship Channel. IHI is Japan’s leading manufacturer of ammonia storage tanks, having designed and constructed most of the existing tanks in Japan. IHI has also developed the bulk of Japan’s LNG import & storage infrastructure.

As demand for ammonia continues to grow, we recognize the need to rationalize terminal operations and strengthen price competitiveness in order to meet this demand. We will leverage the strengths of both companies to form a terminal that can be utilized in the future and to build a robust supply chain.

Jun Kobayashi, Board Director, Managing Executive Officer, IHI Corporation in Vopak’s official press release, 21 Nov 2023

As we embark on this journey, we envision synergies between both companies that will create innovative solutions to accelerate the development of new supply chains for the energy and feedstocks of the future.

Chris Robblee, President of Asia & Middle East, Vopak in his organisation’s official press release, 21 Nov 2023

Proton Ventures: Vlissingen & West Africa

Following the award of a FEED contract earlier this year to convert Vesta Terminal’s existing site in the Netherlands into an ammonia import hub, Proton has announced work is on schedule for FID on the project to be made by 2024. Two 30,000m³ capacity, refrigerated storage tanks will be repurposed, with a “world-scale” ammonia cracker, deep water berths for ocean-borne vessels, berths for inland barges and rail loading facilities to be added. Throughput capacity will be doubled to two million tonnes per year annually in the second phase, with commissioning for the site due in early 2027.

Proton has also announced a collaboration with engineering firm Geldof, with the pair awarded a FEED contract for a new ammonia terminal in Western Africa. Proton reports the location is near major shipping trade-lanes, and has “enormous potential for competitive green electricity sourcing, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly fuel development”. The terminal will also include rail and truck loading facilities, providing a focal point for new ammonia energy supply chains originating in West Africa.