MOL, JERA Sign Long-Term Time Charter Contract for 2 Ammonia Carriers

Major Step in Establishing Japan's First Large-Scale Low-Carbon Ammonia Value Chain

June 18, 2026

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Jotaro Tamura, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) today announced the signing of a long-term time charter contract with JERA Co., Inc. for two very large gas carriers (VLGCs). The vessels will transport low-carbon ammonia produced in the Blue Point Project in Louisiana, U.S.-in which JERA has invested-to JERA's Hekinan Thermal Power Station (Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture) beginning around fiscal year 2029. This contract marks a major step forward in MOL's initiative to develop a marine transport system for low-carbon ammonia and achieve Japan's first large-scale transport of low-carbon ammonia.

MOL and JERA have been discussing a collaboration on the transport of fuel ammonia since November 2022. This contract was formally concluded based on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) executed in 2025 and aims to establish a commercial-scale value chain for low-carbon ammonia.

In addition to its use in power generation and as marine fuel, ammonia-recognized as a next-generation clean energy source that does not emit CO2 at the point of combustion-is expected to play an important role in a wide range of fields, including as a hydrogen carrier, resulting in significantly higher demand.

MOL Group positions environmental strategy as a core pillar of its management plan, "BLUE ACTION 2035," and has set the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 under "MOL Group Environmental Vision - BLUE ACTION 2035 Phase 2." By building a track record of high quality and safe ammonia transport and proactively participating in the development of a low carbon ammonia value chain, MOL Group aims to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.


CG rendering of ammonia carrier.   Image by MOL.

Overview of the Vessel


Profile of JERA


Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. press release