Transport communications

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Archives for April 2025

“K” Line : Publication of ESG DATA BOOK 2024

April 3, 2025 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce a publication of ESG DATA BOOK 2024.

ESG DATA BOOK has been issued since FY2021 to summarize policies, systems, specific initiatives and relevant data related to “K” LINE Group’s environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) aspects. It has been published as a tool for dispatch of information to, and for communication with, stakeholders who are interested in the Group’s ESG initiatives.

ESG DATA BOOK 2024 features new contents such as an “At a Glance” at the beginning, which summarizes the main quantitative information related to our sustainability and ESG. Also, we have expanded contents of disclosure in accordance with the frameworks of Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as well as the list of key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability management. In addition, we newly include the index of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards in the back of the book, which is one of the main frameworks for ESG information disclosure.

ESG DATA BOOK 2024 can be found on our website.

HOME > Sustainability > ESG Data

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/esg_data.html

Downloads:

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/esg_data/main/0112/teaserItems2/0/linkList/00/link/ESGDATABOOK2024_EN.pdf

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : Daito Corporation Secures Japan’s First Green Loan Utilizing a Municipality-Developed Framework for Electric Tugboat

April 3, 2025 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that Daito Corporation (Daito), its consolidated subsidiary, has decided to procure funding through a green loan from Mizuho Bank, Ltd. This loan will finance the construction of an electric tugboat (EV tug),*1 which was decided on November 8, 2024. It is scheduled to be completed in May 2027. The loan utilizes the Port of Yokohama – CNP Sustainable Finance Framework (the Framework),*2 established by the City of Yokohama.

The Framework is a use-of-proceeds specific framework aimed at promoting the decarbonization of the port. A Second Party Opinion*3 on the Framework has been obtained from DNV Business Assurance Japan K.K. (DNV), a third-party verification body. The construction of the EV tug is classified as a green project under “Clean Transportation” within the Framework, and a letter of conformance*3 for a green loan*4 has been obtained from DNV. Daito is the first company to utilize this Framework for financing. Moreover, this is the first case in Japan of a private company utilizing a use-of-proceeds specific framework developed by a municipality.

This vessel was highly valued for the integration of hull improvements, electrification, and new maneuvering equipment to achieve a transition to non-fossil energy and improve operational efficiency. The adoption of lithium-ion batteries as a non-fossil energy source is expected to achieve a CO2 emission reduction of approximately 60%.

The “K” LINE Group, under its long-term environmental policy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 — Blue Seas for the Future —,*5 establishes and operates the DRIVE GREEN NETWORK framework to promote environmental management, reflecting its commitment to environmental conservation. It will continue to advance efforts to support low-carbon and carbon-free for “K” LINE group and society and contribute to enhancing people’s quality of life.

EV Tug Specifications

Dimensions: Length 33.4 m x breadth 9.6 m x draft 4.0 m

Applicable Regulations: JG (Japanese Government)

Gross Tonnage: 199 tons class

Maximum Speed: 14.0 knots

Maximum Bollard Pull: 48 tons (ahead)

Propulsion System: Electric Propulsion System

Battery Capacity: Approx. 3.2 MWh

EV Tug Overview

*1 November 8, 2024: Daito Corporation Has Decided to Build an Electric Tugboat

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/logistics/logistics-20241108.html

*2 It enables private companies and other entities to access sustainable finance without developing their own framework, provided their initiatives are designated as Port Decarbonization Promotion Projects within the Yokohama Port Harbor Decarbonization Promotion Plan announced today.

Please refer to the City of Yokohama website:

https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/city-info/yokohamashi/yokohamako/kkihon/torikumi/cnp/ycnpfw.html

*3Please refer to the DNV website:

https://webmagazine.dnv.co.jp/sus_finance_list.html

*4Green loan: A loan for the execution of finance projects that contribute to solving or mitigating environmental issues, in accordance with the Green Loan Principles (see reference below).

Green Loan Principles: International guidelines for loans specifically designated for environmental purposes developed in March 2018 by the Loan Market Association and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association. The Loan Syndications and Trading Association joined in December 2018.

*5“K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future
As part of our action plan to reduce GHG emissions, “K” LINE is engaged in a number of initiatives, including the introduction of zero-emission fuels, such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, and carbon-neutral fuels, such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels. 
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

TT Club : Security of the supply chain more critical than ever

April 3, 2025 by

Fast-moving changes in supply chains across the world are more complex and unexpected than ever says international freight and cargo handling insurer, TT Club. Its’s recent Bulletin focusses on drug smuggling and cargo theft in the US, along with initiatives to combat the risks, including smart containers and online animated guides to spotting fraudulent instructions to operators.

London, 25 March 2025

A kilo of cocaine is worth between USD 1,500 and USD 2,200 in producing countries such as Colombia. By the time it reaches consumer markets in Europe and North America, it can be worth between USD 30,000 and USD 80,000.  Such is the profit incentive for drug traffickers.

Sea-going containers are an attractive mode of transport for these illicit cargoes. Inspections at ports and increased resources aimed at detection make up part of the armoury in fighting the burgeoning crime of drug smuggling but technology in the form accurate tracking of containers and their contents is becoming more sophisticated. 

“Our latest Supply Chain Security Bulletin* delves into the data relating to this crime and also the methods evolving in an attempt to minimise the consequences,” says TT’s Mikle Yarwood. “The graphic below gives some sense of both the level of increase in the problem and the successful seizures in recent years.”

Top 10 countries by number of cocaine seizures and quantity seized (in kilogrammes), 2022–2023
Credit : World Customs Organization – Enforcement and Compliance: Illicit Trade Report 2023

Focussing on the USA’s cargo crime profile TT’s claims analysis revealed in the Bulletin shows a significant increase in the total number of reported thefts of all types of cargo, up by over 60% in 2024 over two years prior.  Thefts of full loads from cargo handling facilities or depots made up nearly half of these last year as opposed to 29% in 2023. A change in regional trends across the States are also examined and illustrated in the graphic below.

Top 4 states claims 2022–2024

“At TT we will continue to interrogate our own, and other sources to better understand the risks across the global supply chain, not just crime,” explained Yarwood.  “We are also dedicated to advising and assisting those involved in the container trades to prevent, or reduce these risks.  In our current Bulletin for instance we have developed a series of loss prevention animations, available online  with the aspiration of raising awareness of how thieves commonly access cargo.”

Access to the latest Bulletin, and the series as a whole is provided  HERE

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. The Club’s services include specialist underwriting, claims management and risk and loss management advice, supported by a global office network. TT Club’s mission is to make the industry safer, more secure and more sustainable. 

Established in 1968, TT Club currently services more than 1400 Members – container owners, operators, ports, terminals and logistics companies. Its membership covers the entire logistics journey, working across maritime, road, rail, and air ranging from some of the world’s largest logistics operators to smaller, bespoke companies managing similar risks. The Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. Its average annual customer retention rate is consistently over 95%, with some Members having chosen to insure with the Club for over 50 years. 

TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller – an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club
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