Prince Rupert-based Trigon Pacific Terminals has signed an agreement with the Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority (UFEZ) to work together to export hydrogen-based ammonia from Canada to South Korea.
Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Feb. 12 in Seoul. It outlines that Trigon will support the development of receiving terminals in Ulsan, South Korea, as a key component of the supply chain for Asian markets. Additionally, Trigon will assist in opening potential markets for Canadian products.
Hydrogen-as-ammonia can be used directly as a fuel or as an efficient way to transport hydrogen, which can be extracted from the ammonia. Hydrogen holds significant potential as a low, or even carbon-free fuel.
"Trigon has been actively advancing development of a Canadian west coast export corridor for the shipment of hydrogen-as-ammonia from Canada to global markets," said Trigon CEO Rob Booker. "Today's MOU with UFEZ further strengthens the strong ties between our two nations and our organizations."
is one of the nine designated Korean Free Economic Zones, designed to improve the business and living environment for foreign-invested companies in Korea. Located in Ulsan, UFEZ is home to over 80 companies and organizations, including the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demonstration Center, the Korea Institute of Energy Research, and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST).
Trigon is working with other industry partners to develop the west coast export corridor, which would see ammonia from B.C. and Alberta transported by rail along the northern CN rail line to Prince Rupert for export.
"Should Canada be successful in advancing this initiative with all of the requisite safety, regulatory and engagement components fully achieved, Canadian producers could be exporting through Trigon by late 2029," said Nicola Lambrechts, a representative of Trigon.
Lambrechts says it is currently estimated that Canada could export up to two million metric tonnes of ammonia annually, which equates to one train per day.
