• Pioneering Move: NYK Line is the first Japanese firm to purchase a portfolio of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from Climeworks, signaling a shift in how maritime emissions are addressed.
• Net-Zero Roadmap: The credits, delivered from FY2026, support NYK’s 2050 net-zero goal by offsetting hard-to-abate Scope 1 emissions from shipping operations.
• Strategic Carbon Removal: The agreement includes a mix of engineered and nature-based technologies like BECCS, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering to permanently remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

NYK Line has taken a significant step toward decarbonization, becoming the first Japanese company to purchase a portfolio of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from Swiss climate tech leader Climeworks. The three-year agreement underscores NYK’s strategy to close its emissions gap by complementing emission reduction efforts with high-integrity carbon removals.

“This contract demonstrates NYK’s commitment to decarbonising its operations through both emissions reductions and removals,” the company stated. “By securing CDR credits from a trusted provider, NYK is reinforcing its strategy to offset residual emissions as part of its 2050 net-zero roadmap.”

Starting in fiscal year 2026, the credits will be delivered through a blend of advanced technologies, including biochar, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and enhanced rock weathering. These approaches are designed to permanently extract CO₂ from the atmosphere, providing a durable offset for unavoidable operational emissions—particularly Scope 1 emissions tied to NYK’s core maritime activities.

RELATED ARTICLE: Microsoft, Carbon Direct Set New Standards for High-Quality Marine Carbon Removal

While the company continues to improve energy efficiency and shift toward lower-carbon fuels such as LNG, ammonia, and methanol, NYK acknowledges that residual emissions remain a challenge.

To reinforce its leadership, NYK has also released a position paper on CDR credits and plans to expand partnerships across its value chain to support broader decarbonization.

Follow ESG News on LinkedIn