Tokyo-Kyushu Ferry Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture; President and CEO: Tamaki Murakami) and Marinex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka City; President and CEO: Nobushi Noto) are pleased to announce that their jointly submitted project, 'Modal Shift of Ice Cream Cold Chain Logistics from Kanto to Kyushu – Delivering Akagi Nyugyo's Ice Cream to Kyushu via Tokyo-Kyushu Ferry,' has won the Environmental Load Reduction Award at the 1st Japan Logistics Awards, hosted by the Japan Federation of Logistics Associations.

From left: Mitsunori Terada, Director, Marinex Co., Ltd.; Tamaki Murakami, President and CEO, Tokyo-Kyushu Ferry Co., Ltd.; Hitoshi Naga-sawa, Chairman, Japan Federation of Logistics Associations; Masakazu Tera-se, Director, Akagi Nyugyo Co., Ltd.; Akinori Onishi, President and CEO, Taisei Corporation

Key Achievements

Modal shift in ice cream transportation—requiring strict temperature control—has traditionally been considered difficult due to driverless segments in transport routes. However, by utilizing high-speed ferries, the project maintained lead times while significantly improving semi-trailer loading efficiency, achieving a CO₂ reduction of 766.1 tons. This project demonstrated the largest environmental load reduction among all submissions and was recognized as a highly deserving case.

Project Details and Impact

This initiative successfully shifted ice cream transportation from Kanto to Kyushu from trucks to ferry services for Akagi Nyugyo Co., Ltd. Ice cream requires strict temperature management below -20°C, making long-distance sea transport challenging. However, the use of the high-speed ferry service (Tokyo-Kyushu Ferry) launched in 2021 on the Yokosuka–Shimonoseki route enabled substantial reductions in both environmental and labor burdens while maintaining delivery timelines.

Through collaboration among Akagi Nyugyo Co., Ltd., Taisei Corporation, and Marinex Co., Ltd., the project increased loading capacity per semi-trailer (from 16 to 22 pallets, and from 144 to 168 cases per pallet), significantly boosting per-trip transport volume. As a result, CO₂ emissions were reduced by 766.1 tons (63%), and driver working hours were reduced by 5,010 hours (90%), significantly alleviating labor burden. This project represents an advanced case of modal shift via sea transport for temperature-sensitive ice cream while maintaining lead times, setting a new model for food logistics. The four companies will continue striving to build efficient logistics systems and reduce environmental impact toward achieving a sustainable society.

Concept Diagram: Modal Shift of Ice Cream Transport from Kanto to Kyushu

Related Websites

Akagi Nyugyo Co., Ltd. Official Website: https://www.akagi.com/

Taisei Corporation Official Website: https://taisei-group.jp/group/taisei/

Tokyo-Kyushu Ferry Co., Ltd. and Marinex Co., Ltd.

Cargo Transport Website: https://tqf.co.jp/distribution/

Akagi Nyugyo Taisei Group Tokyo-Kyushu Ferry

About the Japan Logistics Awards

The Japan Logistics Awards is a newly integrated initiative combining the former 'Logistics Environmental Awards' and 'Modal Shift Outstanding Operator Awards.' It recognizes outstanding efforts toward sustainable logistics, including environmental load reduction, modal shift, inter-company collaboration, advanced technology utilization, and contributions to work-style reforms. The awards aim to raise awareness, promote best practices, and highlight the importance and significance of logistics across society. (Source: Japan Federation of Logistics Associations)

About the SHK Line Group

The SHK Line Group comprises core companies including Sekko LogiNEXT (maritime and land transport, customs brokerage), Nihonkai Ferry (S), Hankyu Ferry (H), Kanpu Ferry (K), Tokyo-Kyushu Ferry, and Marinex (cargo transportation services). The group operates in maritime transport, hotels, tourism, land transport, and vehicle maintenance, aiming to create comprehensive added value and offering a 'Sea Line Network' that meets diverse needs—from cruise resorts to integrated logistics. https://www.snf.jp/company/shk/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership