The Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategy is a landmark initiative positioning the Pilbara as a global leader in clean marine fuel supply and maritime decarbonisation. The hub will enable safe, efficient ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering of low and zero carbon fuels such as liquid ammonia.
This project supports the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonisation goals and Australia’s climate commitments by helping bulk carriers transition away from fossil fuels. It has the potential to reduce emissions from iron ore vessels on the Pilbara to China corridor by 94%, cutting annual emissions to just 560,000 tonnes.
The hub will incorporate international safety standards and scalable infrastructure to support a clean fuel supply chain into the future. It will also stimulate regional economic growth, creating new jobs, skills, and investment in clean energy logistics and port services.
The project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including:
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, by enabling access to clean fuel alternatives;
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the development of future-focused port infrastructure;
- SDG 13 – Climate Action, by delivering significant emissions reductions; and
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, through strong collaboration between government and industry.
Led by Pilbara Ports in partnership with industry, the Pilbara Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub is a key enabler of Australia’s emerging green export economy. It highlights the critical role ports can play in accelerating the global energy transition and supporting sustainable, low emission trade.