February 26, 2025 — In a monumental step toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, the Port of Hueneme and NYK Line have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Green Automotive Shipping Corridor between Japan and Southern California. The signing ceremony took place on February 12, 2025, at the Port of Hueneme, marking the continuation of an exciting collaboration aimed at driving 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 partnership will also explore joint research and development efforts to push the boundaries of green technology in the maritime and automotive sectors.
The Port of Hueneme, one of the top 10 U.S. ports for automobile imports, handles approximately 400,000 vehicles annually, with 20% of those being battery electric vehicles (BEVs). NYK Line is a global leader in maritime shipping, committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The joint collaboration and Green Automotive Shipping Corridor between the Port of Hueneme and NYK Line showcases that commerce, prosperity, and sustainability can co-exist.
The signing ceremony was attended by several key figures from NYK Line corporate office in Tokyo, Japan, including Mr. Yutaka Ikeda, Managing Executive Officer of NYK Line, Ms. Mie Sugano, Executive Officer of NYK Line, 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.” said Mr. Yutaka Ikeda, Managing Executive Officer of NYK Line.
Celebrating the momentous occasion were the Port of Hueneme’s Board of Harbor Commissioners including: Mary Anne Rooney, Port of Hueneme Board Secretary; Jess Herrera Port of Hueneme Board Commissioner; and Celina Zacarias Port of Hueneme Board Commissioner.
“We are incredibly grateful for the strong collaboration between the Port of Hueneme and NYK Line. Together we have benefitted thousands of working families throughout Ventura County and the state of California.” said Mary Anne Rooney, Port of Hueneme Board Secretary.
The ceremony was also attended by Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone; and Consul of Economic Affairs Division at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, Ryuta Suzuki. “I hope that this collaboration with the Port of Hueneme and NYK Line will bring us more prosperity and sustainable growth around the world and further promote green corridors.” said Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone.
“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.” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director of the Port of Hueneme.
Elected officials in attendance for the MOU signing included: Martha McQueen-Leghon, City of Port Hueneme Mayor; Luis McArthur, City of Oxnard Mayor; Jess Lopez, City of Port Hueneme Mayor Pro Tem; Michaela Perez, City of Oxnard Councilmember District 6. Showing their strong support for this partnership, representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Senator Monique Limon, Assemblymember Steve Bennett, and Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez proudly participated in the event, underscoring their regional support for this green initiative.
Both the Port of Hueneme 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 will guide 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.
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.
