Nestle Japan and Kikkoman start weekly Kansai-Kanto round-trip maritime transport in June 2026. Using RORO ships to combine cargos, they aim to address driver shortages and reduce annual CO2 emissions by about 47%.
Nestle Japan will start Kansai-Kanto maritime transport for beverages like Nescafe Gold Blend from Himeji Factory. Partnering with Kikkoman Food Products, they will implement round-trip logistics (round transport) to minimize empty runs. The transport uses RORO (Roll-on Roll-off) ships to carry trailer chassis without drivers, addressing logistics labor shortages. Starting June 5, 2026 for Kikkoman (Kanto-Kansai) and June 9, 2026 for Nestle (Kansai-Kanto), the weekly service is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 47% compared to trucking alone.\nOutbound route: Kikkoman N-DC (Nagareyama, Chiba) to Chiba Port to Kikkoman Takasago DC (Takasago, Hyogo) carrying Kikkoman seasonings.\nInbound route: Nestle Himeji Factory (Himeji, Hyogo) to Sakai-Semboku Port to Nestle Noda Logistics Center (Noda, Chiba) carrying Nestle beverages.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Logistics
FAQ
What is the main purpose of this initiative?
To address the logistics challenge of driver shortages, ensure a stable product supply, and achieve an estimated 47% reduction in CO2 emissions.
When will the joint transportation begin?
Kikkoman Food (Kanto to Kansai) will start on Friday, June 5, 2026, and Nestlé Japan (Kansai to Kanto) on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
What transportation methods are used?
A combination of the RORO (Roll-on Roll-off) method, which transports only the truck trailers by ship, and 'round-trip transportation' (carrying different cargoes on return trips to reduce empty runs).
What are the transportation frequency and the products transported?
Once a week (round trip), transporting Kikkoman Food's seasoning products (such as 'Kikkoman Koi Dashi Hon Tsuyu') and Nestlé Japan's beverage products (such as 'Nescafe Gold Blend').
How are the transportation routes set?
The outbound route runs from Kikkoman Food N-DC (Nagareyama, Chiba) via Chiba Port to Kikkoman Food Takasago DC (Takasago, Hyogo), and the inbound route runs from Nestlé Japan Himeji Factory (Himeji, Hyogo) via Sakai Senboku Port to Nestlé Japan Noda Logistics Center (Noda, Chiba).