The Port of Los Angeles (Port of LA) has entered into separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Port of Tokyo, and the Port of Yokohama to more formally collaborate on sustainability and environmental issues by establishing Green Shipping Corridors.

"The MOUs signed this week between the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Tokyo, and the Port of Yokohama epitomize the strong relationship between California and Japan and our shared commitment to tackling climate change," said Eleni Kounalakis, lieutenant governor.

"California and Japan's port partnership is a world-leading collaboration and a critical step towards achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions."

Gene Seroka, Port of LA executive director, noted that global cooperation is critical to make "meaningful progress" towards a more sustainable maritime industry.

"The Port of Los Angeles is proud of the role it has played in advancing port-related environmental technologies and supply chain decarbonization solutions, but we can do so much more with ports and other international stakeholders working together. I'm thrilled to be in Japan, collaborating with our long-time partners at the ports of Tokyo and Yokohama," Seroka said.

Green shipping corridor in 2023

Hiroya Nakano, director general of the Port of Yokohama, noted that in 2021, leaders from the QUAD — a strategic alliance that includes Japan, the United States, Australia and India — agreed to collaborate on a green shipping network.

"Today, we are pleased to further our work on this challenge in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, with whom we have built a longstanding friendship," Nakano said.

Shinya Hitomi, president and CEO Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation, for his part, noted that the Port of Los Angeles is the port's largest partner in Japan.

"The work to decarbonize shipping is very important to both ports," Hitomi said. "This agreement is a significant step forward as we work toward a common goal."

Toshiki Yaoka, Port of Tokyo director general, said the agreement would strengthen both ports' fruitful relationship and will further enhance the sustainability and development of our ports.

The MOUs with the two ports call for cooperation and sharing of best practices on environmental and sustainability initiatives, including the digitation of the supply chain to optimize efficiency and reduce port operational impacts.

Both the ports of Tokyo and Yokohama also agreed to establish a Green Shipping Corridor (GSC) partnership with the Port of Los Angeles in the coming year, an initiative aimed at reducing emissions along their respective trade routes and promoting low- and zero-carbon ships and fuels.

Earlier, the Port of Los Angeles has already established GSC partnerships with the ports of Shanghai and Singapore.

In addition to strengthening trade routes, maritime operational supply chain efficiencies and environmental sustainability, other specific areas of cooperation identified under the two agreements include the testing and deployment of zero-emission vehicles, cargo handling equipment and vessels.

In addition, the deal also seeks to explore energy use and alternative energy sources; and cooperate on initiatives related to pollution-reduction technologies for terminals, ocean-going vessels and drayage trucks.

The agreements were signed by Port of Los Angeles officials during the 2023 California Japan Clean Energy Trade Mission, which began on March 11.

It targets businesses in the clean energy sector to explore solutions related to climate change, renewable energy, and zero-emission technologies, among other sustainable products and services.