Yokohama Port has announced initiatives aimed at creating a Carbon Neutral Port (CNP). The measures outlined include formulating a port decarbonization promotion plan, demonstration projects in the waterfront area, a data center demonstration project and the acceptance of electricity generated by offshore wind power.
Yokohama City aims to achieve carbon neutrality at its ports by 2050 by promoting decarbonization through the port sector. It is advancing the creation of a CNP centered on Yokohama Port in cooperation with the national government, private-sector companies and neighboring municipalities. CO2 emissions from the waterfront area are estimated to account for approximately 40% of total emissions in Yokohama City. The city plans to leverage its concentration of marine-related industries to promote the transition of vessels and waterfront industries to energy supplied by next-generation sources.
Yokohama Port's promotion framework includes establishing and operating the Yokohama Port Waterfront Business Council for Promoting Port Decarbonization, working with international organizations and cooperating with overseas ports. The initiatives introduced include incorporating international expertise and using data, through an analytical report by Professor Woolley of the University of California, Berkeley, use of the Maritime Emissions Portal and participation in the Blue Visby Consortium.
Initiatives for using next-generation energy and promoting wider-area cooperation include cooperation agreements with Kawasaki City and Ibaraki Prefecture, a NEDO survey, demonstration testing of a data center business and collaboration with companies including JERA and NTT FACILITIES. A demonstration project for an offshore floating data center has begun at the Osanbashi Pier at Yokohama Port, while studies are also under way on a hydrogen supply chain and bunkering of ammonia, methanol, LNG and other fuels.
Specific initiatives to diversify vessel fuels and promote decarbonization include introducing incentive programs to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly vessels, demonstrating ammonia, methanol and LNG bunkering, considering and expanding shore power supply, and examining the acceptance of electricity generated by offshore wind power. The initiatives also include introducing nature-based seawalls and blue carbon, as well as international cooperation aimed at creating green shipping corridors.