Nippon Express Italia launches hydrogen-powered boats for last-mile delivery in Venice

Nippon Express Italia, a group company of Nippon Express, announced on Wednesday that it has launched an eco-friendly delivery service in Venice, Italy, that uses hydrogen-powered boats. Nippon Express is a Japan-based logistics company that was established back in 1872.

The move comes as companies operating within the EU are quickening their decarbonisation efforts in order to meet the European Union’s target of lowering greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent from 1990 levels no later than 2030.

The Group identified addressing climate change as one of its material issues and is working to reduce CO2 emissions in its operations. The firm is also developing goods and services that assist its clients in reducing their own CO2 emissions in order to realise its long-term vision of becoming a “logistics company with a strong presence in the global market.”

What is a hydrogen-powered boat?

To power ships, a variety of propulsion techniques can be used. One such as wind power, which is utilised by sail boats, and is the greenest, cleanest approach. However, due to poor speed and uncertain nature, the solution is not suitable for commercial shipping vehicles.

A hydrogen-powered boat uses hydrogen as a source of energy to drive an electric motor. Hydrogen is transformed into electricity in fuel cells by the onboard hydrogen fuel system, which takes hydrogen from storage cylinders. A battery pack receives this energy and uses it to power a motor.

In order to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicle transportation, Nippon Express Italy has introduced its last-mile delivery service that makes deliveries mostly to high-end clothing stores utilising hydrogen-powered boats. These boats have detachable hydrogen generators and produce far less CO2 than diesel and gasoline engines.

In a statement, the Group says it will continue working toward a sustainable society in order to reduce the environmental impact of logistics and create a culture that values resource conservation and recycling.

A brief history of Nippon Express

Japan-based Nippon Express was formed by combining the assets of Kokusai Tsu-un KK (International Express Co), which combined many of the country’s small-scale rail transport enterprises, and six other rivals, with backing from the Japanese government.

As World War II progressed, the need for a centralised approach to transport deepened throughout Japan, and the government combined the transportation companies operating in all of the nation’s major cities into what would later become Nippon Express. In 1950, the business was reopened as a private firm under the Express Business Act and the Commercial Law Act.