### History and current status of waste logistics network development at the Port of Tokyo (2001-2024)

### History and current status of waste logistics network development at the Port of Tokyo (2001-2024)

**Project Start (2001)**
In 2001, the construction of waste marine disposal sites and recycling processing facilities began to progress at 36 ports across Japan, including the Port of Tokyo. The project aims to establish a logistics network with low environmental impact for wide-area processing of construction waste (concrete and asphalt) and industrial waste (waste plastic and scrap metal). At the Port of Tokyo, the newly constructed recycling facility processed more than 500,000 tons of waste per year, and was effective in reducing CO2 emissions by about 40%.

Specialized vessels designed and introduced by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have improved the efficiency of marine transportation. Furthermore, the recycling facility in the Yumenoshima area of Koto-ku, Tokyo, improved the resource recovery rate by more than 30%, helping to address the shortage of landfill space in urban areas.

**Development in the 2010s (2010-2020)**
In the 2010s, new technologies and operational structures were introduced at the Port of Tokyo to further improve the efficiency of waste logistics and reduce environmental impact. During this period, the Tokyo Port Authority took the lead in expanding and redeveloping facilities to accommodate increased cargo handling volumes and aging port infrastructure.

In particular, in 2015, a project was initiated to streamline transport routes from the Port of Tokyo to the Kanto inland area in order to reduce CO2 emissions generated by marine transport of waste. This resulted in a 25% reduction in average waste transportation time and a significant reduction in transportation costs. Also in 2018, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of the Environment jointly introduced a system to monitor the operation of recycling-related facilities, improving transparency in waste treatment.

**Evolution of Logistics Network (2020s)**
In the 2020s, the Port of Tokyo is working to further improve logistics efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The logistics network linking the Metropolitan area road network and rail transportation is being strengthened, and a modal shift from truck transportation to rail and ship is being promoted at the Oi Container Wharf in cooperation with the Tokyo Cargo Terminal Station of the Japan Freight Railway (JR Freight).

The expansion of port facilities has enabled the port to accommodate increased cargo volumes and larger vessels, maintaining its position as a highly convenient port for shippers and shipping companies. Furthermore, to address the 2024 logistics problem, measures to improve transportation efficiency, such as off-peak loading/unloading and provision of congestion information at container terminals, are underway.

**Environmental Conservation and a Sustainable Future**.
These efforts at the Port of Tokyo are not only fulfilling its role as a major port in Japan, but are also making a significant contribution to environmental conservation for a sustainable logistics future. The development and evolution of the waste logistics network has both strengthened the competitiveness of companies and reduced their environmental impact, contributing to greater efficiency in the supply chain throughout Japan.