In a significant step towards achieving its “carbon neutrality by 2050” goal, Japan has set its sights on decarbonizing its port areas, where approximately 60% of the country’s CO2 emissions are concentrated. To facilitate this endeavor, a group of prominent companies, including e5 Lab Inc., Marindows Inc., e-Mobility Power Inc., CHAdeMO Association, The Japan Ship Technology Research Association, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Development Bank of Japan Inc., has joined forces to form the “Promotion Council for Zero Emission Chargers for Ships.”
The council’s primary objective is to promote the widespread adoption of standardized shore-to-ship power stations, commonly known as “zero emission chargers.” By delivering electricity from land to docked ships, these chargers aim to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, a crucial step in achieving Japan’s ambitious carbon reduction targets.
Diesel generators aboard docked ships currently account for approximately 40% of CO2 emissions in ports, exacerbating environmental issues by emitting harmful substances such as noise, vibration, PM, NOx, and SOx. Recognizing the urgent need to address this concern, the council is aligning its efforts with the government’s policies, and its member companies are spearheading a world-first initiative to implement zero emission chargers for ships.
The council aims to tackle the various challenges inherent in the early stages of Electric Vehicle (EV) ship diffusion. By leveraging the expertise and resources of its participating members, including the seven aforementioned companies, an All-Japan collaboration will be formed to develop and maintain a strategic ecosystem for zero emission chargers for ships. This concerted effort will pave the way for more efficient operations, enhanced user convenience, increased adoption of the service, and bolster the growth of the charger infrastructure.
The successful implementation of the council’s initiatives will lead to the realization of zero emissions in port areas, the widespread adoption of EV ships, the expansion of renewable energy use, and a positive impact on global and local environmental issues.
To kickstart this transformative endeavor, the council plans to install prototype standardized universal zero emission chargers for ships at Hanshin Port and Keihin Port by fiscal year 2025. Both ports are vital strategic hubs, facilitating domestic and international freight and ship movements.
Kobe City Port Bureau and Yokohama City Port Bureau will actively participate in the council’s activities as observers, contributing their insights and support to this critical initiative.
By fostering cooperation and strategic planning in the maritime industry, Japan is poised to make significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable future, bringing it closer to achieving its ambitious carbon neutrality targets.
