Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has presented the next phase of its ambitious Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) strategy, outlining a structured certification framework designed to accelerate the decarbonization of container terminals across the country by 2050.
Speaking at the ICHCA International AGM in Barcelona, Yusuke Suemune of Japan’s Ports and Harbours Bureau announced that MLIT will formally launch the Carbon Neutral Ports Certification scheme in June 2025. The certification will assess terminal-level decarbonization initiatives across a wide range of operational and infrastructure-based criteria, offering a structured path toward long-term carbon neutrality.
Unlike broad port-wide assessments, the CNP Certification will evaluate performance at the terminal level, allowing for more precise benchmarking and accountability. The scheme will feature five progressive certification levels, with each terminal required to demonstrate compliance with increasingly stringent emissions reduction and energy-efficiency standards in order to advance.
“The evaluation will cover multiple aspects of terminal operations, including the adoption of low-emission handling equipment, LED terminal lighting, and the use of zero-emission vessel fuels,” explained Suemune. “Truck appointment systems and broader logistics integration will also be considered. Certification will be valid for three years, after which recertification will be required to ensure continued progress. We recognise that port decarbonization must be viewed as a long-term transformation, not a short-term goal.”
The initiative aligns with Japan’s national target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reflects a growing international trend toward port-level emissions transparency. The certification process will be publicly visible, encouraging all port users—not just terminal operators—to contribute toward shared decarbonization objectives.
In welcoming the announcement, Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA International, said, “We are honoured that MLIT has chosen the ICHCA AGM to introduce the CNP Certification initiative. Environmental care is a core part of our mission, and Japan’s commitment offers a leading example of how governments and the cargo handling sector can work together to deliver meaningful climate action.”
The CNP Certification framework represents a structured and transparent approach to decarbonization, one that is expected to influence other port authorities and terminal operators globally as environmental regulations tighten and industry-led climate targets become more ambitious.
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