September 01, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- ITOCHU Corporation has entered India’s ammonia storage terminal business through the acquisition of a portion of the equity securities of Aegis Terminal (Pipavav) Ltd. (ATPL) from Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd. (AVTL).

The investment gives ITOCHU a stake in the ammonia storage terminal operated by ATPL at Port Pipavav in Gujarat. The facility, described as India’s first independent ammonia storage terminal, was completed and became operationally ready on August 10th, 2026.

The project features a newly constructed ammonia storage tank with a capacity of approximately 36,000 metric tonnes (MT), equivalent to around 52,000 cubic metres. The terminal also includes integrated logistics infrastructure, including cargo-handling facilities, pipelines, and truck loading and unloading facilities. Located at Port Pipavav, the facility is positioned to serve the growing ammonia market in western India.

Ammonia demand is expected to increase amid global population growth, rising food and energy requirements, and the accelerating shift toward cleaner energy. While ammonia has traditionally been used in fertiliser production and industrial applications, its potential role in clean-energy applications is also expanding, particularly as a fuel and hydrogen carrier.

With medium- to long-term growth expected in the Indian ammonia market, ITOCHU intends to leverage its established relationships with key customers, including fertiliser and chemical manufacturers. The company also sees opportunities to expand into emerging applications related to fuels and clean energy.

ITOCHU already has experience developing storage terminal businesses with companies belonging to the Aegis Group in India, particularly in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector. The latest investment builds on that relationship and is expected to strengthen ITOCHU’s presence in India’s ammonia sector through expanded logistics infrastructure and the development of a stable supply chain.

The business will operate through a joint model combining ITOCHU’s global ammonia trading network with the domestic and international terminal operating capabilities of the Aegis and Vopak groups.

The investment also aligns with ITOCHU’s management policy, “The Brand-new Deal: Profit opportunities are shifting downstream.” Under the strategy, the company aims to expand its business portfolio by identifying changing societal needs and developing downstream businesses closer to consumers, while contributing to the transition toward a more sustainable society.