NYK Line has become the first Japanese company to invest in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits, purchasing a portfolio from Swiss climate tech leader Climeworks. This groundbreaking move is part of NYK’s broader net-zero roadmap, aiming for a 2050 target while addressing hard-to-abate Scope 1 emissions from its shipping operations.
“This contract demonstrates NYK’s commitment to decarbonising its operations through both emissions reductions and removals,” the company stated, reinforcing its strategy to close the emissions gap.
The three-year agreement, starting in FY2026, focuses on combining innovative, high-integrity CDR technologies. These include biochar, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and enhanced rock weathering—approaches that permanently remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, offering long-term offsets for residual maritime emissions.
While NYK continues its transition to low-carbon fuels like LNG, ammonia, and methanol, it acknowledges the challenges posed by remaining operational emissions. As part of its decarbonization efforts, the company is integrating CDR as a strategic pillar to manage the emissions that are difficult to eliminate through other means.
NYK’s move underscores its leadership in maritime decarbonization, with the company also planning to expand its CDR partnerships throughout its supply chain. The partnership with Climeworks highlights a growing commitment within the shipping industry to embrace sustainable solutions, setting a new standard for how companies can offset emissions beyond traditional carbon reduction measures.
