Posted on July 14, 2025
Dutch storage and terminal services provider Royal Vopak and Japanese ammonia storage tank manufacturer IHI Corporation have announced plans to create a joint venture for the development and operation of an ammonia terminal in Japan.
The project aims to facilitate the reception and storage of imported ammonia in Japan and develop supply chains within the country, for its use in power generation and industry. The companies intend to start operations at the terminal in the fiscal year 2030.
In a joint statement published today (11 July), IHI and Vopak indicated they also plan to establish an ammonia distribution system, with the terminal to include a hub for marine transportation.
The new joint development agreement follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that was signed by the two companies in 2023 to explore the development of ammonia terminals in Japan.
‘We are pleased to observe the continued progress of our collaboration with Vopak toward the development and operation of an ammonia terminal in Japan,’ said Kensuke Yamamoto, Executive Officer, Vice President of Business Development Division, and General Manager of Ammonia Value Chain Project Department, IHI Corporation.
‘By fully leveraging the combined expertise and advanced technologies of both companies, we aim to contribute to Japan’s energy transition and the realization of a sustainable society through the establishment of safe and efficient ammonia infrastructure,’ he added.
Lars Schaumann, Managing Director at Vopak Japan, said: ‘We are very much looking forward to contributing, together with IHI, to the ammonia terminal development in Japan. Vopak’s global growth strategy includes industrial and gas infrastructure and infrastructure needed for the energy transition.’
Royal Vopak currently has six ammonia storage locations globally.
Earlier this week, the company announced a cooperation agreement with Hong Kong-based green methanol producer Towngas to expand green methanol supply chains in Asia.
