#Japan #Tokyo #Lotte Holdings #Maritime Modal Shift #Eco-Friendly Logistics

Lotte's Environmental Recognition

Lotte, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has recently been honored with the prestigious Maritime Modal Shift Award for the fiscal year 2024. This accolade, awarded in collaboration with Akebono Transport Co., Ltd. based in Koshigaya, Saitama, reflects Lotte's commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative logistics solutions.

Overview of Initiatives

The award recognizes Lotte's strategic shift in logistics operations, specifically its product transportation from Saitama (Saitama City and Sayama City) to Fukuoka City. By partnering with Akebono Transport, Lotte transitioned from traditional truck transport to utilizing ferries, thereby drastically reducing land transport distances. The previous 1148km overland route was efficiently converted into a combination of land transport to the port (37km and 8km) and maritime transport (1146km), resulting in an impressive 40% decrease in CO2 emissions and a reduction of 10,800 hours in truck driver labor annually.

Innovative Transport Methods

Notably, Lotte has implemented the use of autonomous trucks powered by electric sources on ferries since 2007. This unique transportation model operates between Ariake Port and Hakata Port, continuously improving its efficiency and reducing carbon footprint. Starting from July 2024, the operation will scale significantly from one truck each way per day to three, substantially increasing shipping capacity.

In addition to cutting CO2 emissions during transport, using power onboard the ferry allows for a substantial reduction in emissions from the truck's refrigeration units. This not only extends the trucks' life but also minimizes generator runtime, aligning with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To further enhance transport efficiency, Lotte has introduced lower-bed 10-ton vehicles alongside seat pallets, maximizing the cargo space and minimizing the CO2 emissions per product transported.

About the Maritime Modal Shift Award

The award is part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's initiative to promote modal shifts towards environmentally friendly maritime cargo transportation. The Eco-Ship Modal Shift Committee recognizes logistics companies and cargo owners who significantly contribute to this goal. Out of 24 distinguished entities and 46 companies in 2024, only four companies received the Maritime Modal Shift Award for their exceptional contributions. During the awarding ceremony, Lotte's executive team, including Director Hiroshi Hirata and Logistics Department Manager Yutaka Yamamoto, were in attendance to celebrate this recognition.

Lotte's Commitment to Sustainability

Lotte has formally declared its sustainability goal, the 'Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048', aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2048. The company targets a 23% reduction in energy-related CO2 emissions by 2028 compared to 2019 levels, highlighting its commitment to energy-saving initiatives and the utilization of renewable energy sources. Lotte aims to lead by example in sustainable management practices and environmental impact reduction.

For more insights, visit the Lotte's sustainability page: Lotte Sustainability.

Conclusion

With its ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly practices and innovative logistics solutions, Lotte continues to pave the way for sustainable operations in the industry. The recognition from the Maritime Modal Shift Award not only underscores Lotte's success in reducing environmental impact but also sets a benchmark for other companies aiming to align business practices with sustainable development goals.