YOKOHAMA, Japan—U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of establishing “green shipping corridors” in reducing carbon emissions from the shipping industry during his visit to the port of Yokohama near Tokyo on Monday.
Buttigieg was in Japan to attend a meeting of transport ministers from the Group of Seven advanced economies. They reiterated their commitment to reducing emissions from the transport industry and ensuring open navigation in the Asia-Pacific region.
The United States is actively seeking partnerships with like-minded countries to enhance maritime security, keep shipping and aviation corridors open, and improve environmental sustainability, according to Buttigieg in an interview with The Associated Press.
Currently, maritime transport accounts for approximately 3% of total global emissions from human activities, with 40% of Yokohama’s emissions stemming from its port operations.
Considering that about 90% of all traded goods are transported by sea and maritime trade volumes are projected to triple by 2050, the industry’s share of greenhouse gas emissions could reach 15%, as predicted by studies. This urgency underscores the need for concerted efforts to reduce such pollution.
The International Maritime Organization, responsible for regulating commercial shipping, aims to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of this century and may pursue even deeper reductions this year.
In March, the Port of Los Angeles signed an agreement with the port authorities of Yokohama and Tokyo to establish green shipping corridors. The objective is to promote emissions reductions through the use of net-zero emissions vessels and other measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from ports and shipping activities.
Similar partnerships have been formed with Singapore and Shanghai, and discussions have commenced to establish such corridors in Southeast Asia. The Quad, comprising Japan, the United States, India, and Australia, is also deliberating the initiative.
As the closest major port to North America across the Pacific and a significant regional hub, Yokohama plays a crucial role in these efforts.
Japan is actively pursuing the reduction of fossil fuel usage and the promotion of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. Yokohama has plans to construct a terminal for importing hydrogen, while other facilities enable ships idling at the port to be powered electronically, minimizing the use of heavily polluting marine fuel oil.
The United States is also advancing similar initiatives in its ports. Buttigieg acknowledged Japan’s leadership in developing hydrogen as a fuel and emphasized its significance for the future.
The Biden administration is committed to accelerating the transition to renewable and cleaner energy sources. During G7 meetings in April held in Sapporo, northern Japan, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited the world’s first and only liquefied hydrogen carrier, a demonstration of Japanese efforts to convert polluting coal into emission-free hydrogen power.
Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and become a “hydrogen society.” However, its hydrogen industry is still in its early stages, with the majority of hydrogen production reliant on fossil fuels.
While issuing a joint statement, Buttigieg and other G7 ministers emphasized their countries’ determination to support free and open navigation and expressed strong opposition to any attempts to alter the established territorial status through force. This statement alludes to concerns over China’s growing military presence and its longstanding claim to Taiwan, which has a separate governance structure.
The disruptions caused by the pandemic and the potential risks of conflict have prompted efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese production of strategically important goods and commodities.
Buttigieg stated, “We recognize that there will be numerous geopolitical challenges affecting both trade and security in this region. This is why we place significant emphasis on de-risking and diversifying economic relationships with regard to China.”
Yokohama is currently implementing a “blue carbon infrastructure” project that focuses on promoting coastal structures like sea walls, which can serve as marine habitats while absorbing the port’s greenhouse gas emissions.
During his tour of the port, Buttigieg was briefed on efforts to improve efficiency by accelerating the use of remote-controlled cranes and autonomous-driven trailers. These advancements can reduce waiting times for truck drivers and minimize emissions.
