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JR Freight and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Weaving the Future—The Trajectory of Modal Shift: Developments from 2007 to the 2020s In 2007, modal shift progressed in the transportation industry, with the modal share recovering to the 40% range. Modal shift refers to the transition from truck transport to rail and sea shipping, an initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. This movement was a response to truck driver shortages and stricter environmental regulations. In rail freight, JR Freight expanded its "Eco Liner" service, while in domestic shipping, efficient transport of waste and products between major ports progressed. This led to advances in reducing the environmental impact and improving the efficiency of Japan's logistics.

During the 2010s, heightened environmental awareness both domestically and internationally spurred progress in logistics, including increased use of renewable energy and adoption of energy-saving technologies. Domestic shipping was strengthened at port facilities in Tokyo Bay and Osaka Bay, reducing truck usage for long-distance transport. Demand for rail freight grew for inter-city transport, further improving transport efficiency.

Entering the 2020s, modal shift has gained attention as a key to decarbonizing logistics. In 2021, Japan's rail freight volume reached approximately 20 million tons, with estimated CO2 reduction effects exceeding 1 million tons annually. At Tomakomai Port in Hokkaido, domestic ship transport of paper products expanded, achieving over 100,000 tons annually to Tokyo Port. Meanwhile, at Nagoya Port in Aichi Prefecture, maritime transport of automotive parts is progressing, with inter-company collaboration driving cost reductions. JR Freight has improved transport efficiency by introducing new rolling stock, while Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has introduced LNG (liquefied natural gas) for domestic vessels, achieving a 20% reduction in CO2 compared to conventional fuels. Furthermore, Nippon Express is promoting plans to shift long-distance transport from trucks to rail and ships. In waste transportation, there are increasing cases where CO2 emissions are reduced to about one-tenth of those
from trucks by transporting waste from Hokkaido to the Kanto region by rail. On the other hand, challenges remain, such as the limited number of rail freight trains and the aging of port facilities. The government is strengthening its support through the "Green Logistics Partnership Promotion Project" and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Sources
- JR Freight "Eco Liner" service related materials - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines LNG introduction project materials - Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "Green Logistics Partnership Promotion Project" overview (2020) - Hokkaido Tomakomai Port transportation efficiency case study (2021) - IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2021) - Nippon Express long-distance transport shift plan (2020s)