In a step toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, the Port of Hueneme and global shipper NYK Line have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Green Automotive Shipping Corridor between Japan and Southern California.
“The collaboration between the port and NYK Line is poised to transform the way the global shipping and automotive industries approach environmental responsibility and sustainable trade practices,” the Port of Hueneme said in a statement.
The signing ceremony took place Feb. 12 at the port, marking the continuation of a collaboration that both parties says is aimed at both innovation and environmental progress.
“The MOU solidifies the commitment of both parties to explore innovative and sustainable shipping practices, with an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, advancing energy efficiency, and promoting the use of alternative fuels and zero-emission technologies,” the port said in a statement.
The partnership is also expected to explore joint research and development efforts to push the boundaries of green technology in the maritime and automotive sectors, officials said.
The Port of Hueneme, located in Ventura County, Calif., about 90 miles northwest of the Port of Los Angeles, is one of the top 10 U.S. ports for automobile imports. It handles about 400,000 vehicles annually, with 20% of those being battery electric vehicles (BEVs), according to port data.
The signing ceremony was attended by several key figures from NYK Line’s corporate office in Tokyo, including NYK Line Managing Executive Officer Yutaka Ikeda and NYK Executive Officer Mie Sugano, as well as other NYK staff.
“This is not something we can achieve on our own. It requires building strong partnerships with many stakeholders …The signing of the MOU with the Port of Hueneme is quite remarkable for us and a big step toward achieving a greener future in the logistics industry,” Ikeda said.
Also participating in the event were members of the Port of Hueneme’s Board of Harbor Commissioners, Mary Anne Rooney, Jess Herrera and Celina Zacarias.
“We are incredibly grateful for the strong collaboration between the Port of Hueneme and NYK Line,” Rooney said. “Together we have benefitted thousands of working families throughout Ventura County and the state of California.”
“This MOU is more than just a partnership—it’s a commitment to fostering innovation, reducing emissions, and promoting green technologies, all while enhancing the value we deliver to our communities and our stakeholders,” Port of Hueneme CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas said.
Both the port and NYK Line have long been recognized for their environmental leadership.
In 2024, the Port of Hueneme made history by announcing a goal of zero emissions port operations by 2030. This goal was determined as feasible thanks to the port’s Blueprint to Decarbonization Plan, which guides future purchasing of zero emission equipment that will run on clean fuels to eliminate emissions from nearly all on-port operations.
Similarly, NYK Line has set ambitious environmental targets, including reducing GHG emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.