NYK Line signs memorandum of understanding with Port of Hueneme to cut emissions and focus on energy efficiency

Global shipping company NYK Line has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the port of Hueneme to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve energy efficiency on vehicle deliveries to the US west coast port from Japan.

 “This MOU is more than just a partnership, it’s a commitment to fostering innovation, reducing emissions and promoting green technologies, all while enhancing the value we deliver to our communities and our stakeholders,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and port director of the Port of Hueneme.

In 2023, Port of Hueneme, which is owned and operated by Oxnard Harbour District, imported around 380,000 vehicles, a 31% increase in vehicle handling compared to the previous year. Japan is one of Hueneme’s main points of import, along with South Korea, Germany and the UK. Mitsubishi and Subaru are two of the port’s biggest Japanese OEM customers.

Under the new agreement Port of Hueneme and NYK Line commit to explore “innovative and sustainable shipping practices, with an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, advancing energy efficiency and promoting the use of alternative fuels and zero-emission technologies”. The partnership will research and develop green technology in the maritime and automotive sectors.

At a signing ceremony held in February, NYK’s managing executive officer, Yutaka Ikeda, said sustainable operations depended on strong partnerships. “The signing of the MoU with Port of Hueneme is quite remarkable for us and a big step toward achieving a greener future in the logistics industry,” he said.

Port of Hueneme is already preparing a system of shoreside power to provide clean-grid power to vessels berthing at its North Terminal, which typically includes pure truck and vehicle carriers (PCTCs) and other ro-ro vessels.

To manage the 23% of EV imports it receives, Hueneme port is also planning to construct a temporary outdoor vehicle facility, to be operated for a maximum of 3-5 years on a 14-hectare project site situated at the southeast corner of Hueneme and Perkins roads. The site will accommodate up 4,944 vehicles as overflow storage and consolidate auto movements to reduce diesel truck trips through neighbourhoods near the port, significantly reducing truck emissions, according to the port. 

Last month, international environmental non-profit organisation CDP selected NYK as a global leader in climate change response for the fifth consecutive year. NYK’s efforts included highly transparent disclosure of GHG emissions and reductions, and proactive efforts to reduce GHG emissions through the introduction and use of LNG fuels, active use of biofuels and methanol fuels, and various fuel-saving activities. 

Japanese carmakers exported 1.38m vehicles to the US in 2024. Combined with those vehicles made in the US Japanese brands accounted for 6m of the total 16m sales in the US last year, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun news source in Japan. The threat of 25% tariffs on Japanese imports by the US could impact sales of imported models. The US considering applying 25% tariffs on a range of countries, with a decision expected on April 2. The US is also proposing to apply heavy fees on vessels with links to China.