Nippon Express, JR Freight and 2 other companies conducted a BCP drill assuming the Tohoku Line was out of service. They tested rerouting via the Japan Sea Rim route and transported 20 freight cars and 40 31-ft containers between Nagoya-Minami Freight Station and Morioka Freight Terminal Station.
Assuming a situation in which a natural disaster caused railway infrastructure to be affected for an extended period, Nippon Express, JR Freight, Toyota Transportation and Nagoya Rinkai Railway conducted a BCP drill. The drill was intended to establish alternative transport arrangements for emergencies during normal times.
The drill was conducted from 10 to 12 October, and involved transporting 20 freight cars and 40 31-ft containers round trip between Nagoya-Minami Freight Station and Morioka Freight Terminal Station. Based on the assumption that transport of automotive parts and other goods would continue, the companies tested whether a route via the Japan Sea Rim route could be operated in practice.
Through the on-site testing, the companies confirmed the conditions for viable alternative transport, transit times compared with the regular route, cargo quality and coordination procedures among the companies involved. They said the results confirmed the effectiveness of an alternative transport scheme using the Japan Sea Rim route.
Going forward, the companies will incorporate the findings into their respective BCPs, organize the arrangements and communication procedures for switching to alternative transport during disasters, and conduct additional drills and testing as necessary.