News
Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Corp. (YKIP) will begin transporting empty containers by barge on a trial basis as part of the efforts it is making to enhance the cooperation among the Keihin Ports (Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama) as well as improve logistics efficiency and reduce environmental burdens by operating container barges.
In preparation for deploying container barges for the project, YKIP will analyze challenges it envisages in actual operation in the following way. This week, empty containers imported to the Port of Tokyo, which are moved overland to the Port of Yokohama now, will be carried to the Port of Kawasaki. In mid-March, the empty containers will be relocated from Kawasaki to Yokohama's Honmoku Pier by barge. Challenges to be verified will include how information can be relayed and what procedures need to be completed when containers are handed over from overland to barge transport. Also discussed will be what contracts must be signed, who shoulders costs, and so on.
By promoting cooperation among the Keihin Ports, YKIP will enhance their global competitiveness and pursue logistics sustainability. It will also continue to discuss the effectiveness of container carriage by barge from many different angles, such as how it can contribute to developing a carbon-neutral port, improving work environments for truck drivers, and securing an alternative transport mode in case of natural disasters.
