Lease Deal at Dampier Port Poses Key Milestone—and Risks—for NH3’s Expansion
NH3 Clean Energy has signed a commitment agreement to lease land at the Port of Dampier, advancing its flagship WAH2 clean ammonia project with enhanced storage and export capabilities.
- Commitment agreement signed for 7.5 hectares at Port of Dampier
- Exclusive lease negotiation rights until March 2027
- Supports ammonia storage and loading for WAH2 Project
- Builds on prior ammonia shipment and bunkering agreements
- Enhances operational flexibility and future expansion potential
Strategic Land Lease Advances WAH2 Project
NH3 Clean Energy Limited (ASX, NH3) has taken a significant step forward in its clean ammonia ambitions by signing a Commitment Agreement with Pilbara Ports Authority to lease approximately 7.5 hectares of land at the Port of Dampier. This parcel is earmarked to support ammonia loading operations for NH3’s flagship WAH2 Project, which aims to supply low-emissions ammonia to key Asia Pacific markets.
The agreement grants NH3 exclusive rights to negotiate the lease until March 2027, reflecting a mutual commitment to finalizing terms that will underpin the project’s near-port storage and export infrastructure. This land is strategically located near the Port of Dampier Bulk Liquids Berth, providing critical buffering capacity that will facilitate operational flexibility and scalability.
Building on Established Partnerships
This lease commitment follows earlier collaborations between NH3 and Pilbara Ports, including memoranda of understanding on ammonia shipment and joint development agreements for low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations. Together, these arrangements form a cohesive framework that supports NH3’s vision of becoming a major clean ammonia exporter, particularly targeting decarbonizing economies such as Japan and South Korea.
NH3’s Chairman Charles Whitfield highlighted the scarcity of suitable land within the Port of Dampier and the strategic advantage this lease offers. While the company has ample space at its Maitland Strategic Industrial Area site, securing land within the port itself is crucial for efficient operations and future expansion phases.
WAH2 Project, A Clean Energy Beacon
The WAH2 Project is positioned to meet growing demand for low-emissions energy in the Asia Pacific, supplying clean ammonia both as a fuel and as a decarbonized bunker fuel for bulk carriers. The project has progressed steadily through feasibility and pre-FEED stages, with front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies underway and a targeted final investment decision slated for late 2026.
Near-port ammonia storage has been identified as a key enabler for operational efficiency and expansion potential, as outlined in NH3’s recent Pre-FEED report. The land lease at Dampier directly supports this strategy, ensuring the project can scale to meet future market needs.
Looking Ahead
As NH3 moves toward finalizing the lease and advancing FEED studies, the company’s ability to secure infrastructure at a critical export hub will be closely watched by investors and industry observers. The lease agreement not only strengthens NH3’s operational foundation but also signals confidence in the growing clean ammonia sector.
Bottom Line?
Securing port land is a pivotal move that could accelerate NH3’s clean ammonia export ambitions and reshape regional energy trade.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the detailed terms and financial commitments of the lease agreement?
- How will NH3 finance the infrastructure development on the leased land?
- What are the potential regulatory or environmental hurdles for port-based ammonia storage?
