Establishment of the Promotion Council for Zero-Emission Chargers for Ships, Aimed at Promoting the Widespread Use of Standardized Shore-to-Ship Power Stations
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. have jointly established the “Promotion Council for Zero-Emission Chargers for Ships” (the Council). The Council aims to promote the widespread use of standardized shore-to-ship power stations.
In October 2020, Japan declared its commitment to achieve “carbon neutrality by 2050” and expressed its aim to “reduce emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2013 levels and aim for even further reductions to 50%.” In April 2021, Japan and the US jointly declared their cooperation on Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP). Given that Japan is an island country heavily reliant on port areas for international supply chains, with over 99% of exported and imported goods passing through them, these areas play a pivotal role. They are also home to coastal industrial zones where power plants, steelworks, chemical industries, and others, responsible for approximately 60% of the country’s CO2 emissions, are concentrated. Therefore, focused efforts to decarbonize these port areas are crucial in achieving Japan’s carbon neutrality by 2050.
Within this context, the concept of “shore-to-ship power supply” has gained attention as a tangible measure to reduce CO2 emissions. Currently, around 40% of CO2 emissions in ports originate from diesel generators on docked ships. These generators not only emit CO2 but also have adverse effects on the surrounding environment, such as “noise,” “vibration,” “PM,” “NOx,” and “SOx” emissions. Addressing these harmful emissions at the source through the development of onshore power infrastructure is in high demand to enhance global and local environments.
Recognizing the efficacy of zero-emission chargers (onshore power) for ships in promoting decarbonization in maritime and port areas, as well as the expansion of renewable energy use, the Council aligns with the government’s policy and represents a world-first initiative involving its member companies.
Within the Council, considering the various challenges associated with the early stages of electric vessel (EV ship) adoption in the power supply business, each participating member will assume their respective roles. Through a collaborative effort across Japan, with a focus on the seven aforementioned companies, our objective is to establish and maintain a strategic ecosystem for zero-emission chargers for ships. This strategic approach will encompass efficient operations and effective utilization, leading to enhanced user convenience, increased adoption of the service by a greater number of ships, self-sufficiency in the ship power supply business, and further advancements in charger technology.
Ultimately, our goal is to achieve zero emissions from ships in port areas, promote the proliferation of EV ships, expand the utilization of renewable energy, and address global and local environmental challenges.
In the first phase, by fiscal year 2025, our plan is to install prototype standardized universal zero-emission chargers for ships at Hanshin Port and Keihin Port. These ports are strategically significant, as they handle both domestic and international freight and attract a large number of ships. Following this, we will proceed with expanding the installation of these chargers to other ports, fishing ports, marinas throughout Japan, and even overseas locations.
Furthermore, the City of Kobe’s Port and Harbor Bureau and the City of Yokohama’s Port and Harbor Bureau are actively participating in the Council as observers. Their involvement adds valuable perspectives and expertise to our initiatives.
The Council is actively involved in a range of activities to advance the development and adoption of the standardized universal zero-emission charger system for ships. These activities include conducting surveys and providing recommendations to establish standards and rules. The Council also focuses on creating social implementation projects to promote the widespread use of the charger system. Information collaboration among participating companies is encouraged, along with mutual utilization of the chargers. Public relations and promotional activities play a vital role in raising awareness and driving the diffusion of zero-emission chargers. Cost reduction efforts are pursued through joint procurement, while content creation for “Zero Emission Charger × X” collaborations enhances the system’s versatility. Furthermore, the Council is dedicated to building a sustainable ecosystem by incorporating reuse practices, ensuring a more environmentally friendly and efficient maritime industry.
Moving forward, the Council aims to achieve broad participation from operators who will utilize onshore power infrastructure. By doing so, the Council will make significant contributions towards realizing the government’s declared goal of “carbon neutrality by 2050.” The primary focus will be on developing and promoting a universal onshore power system that can be utilized across various industries.
Source e5 Lab Inc.