Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 11, DHL Supply Chain is starting a trial program with hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks in Japan, contributing to a government initiative for a low-carbon society. As a collaborator, the company will assess the vehicles' viability and ecological gains to lessen logistics' environmental effects.

Jerome Gillet, President & Representative Director, CEO Japan and Korea, DHL Supply Chain, said: “We are very proud of becoming the first country in Asia Pacific at DHL Supply Chain to introduce hydrogen-powered FC trucks. This pilot aligns directly with DHL Group’s aspiration to be the Green Logistics of Choice, by taking a frontrunner role in deploying low and zero carbon transport solutions. By 2030, 30 percent of our air, maritime and road transport is aimed to run on sustainable fuels. In combination with other projects, such as deploying electric trucks in some service parts logistics operations and our renewable energy partnership at Sagamihara Logistics Center, we are taking tangible steps toward achieving more sustainable logistics that meet the expectations of our customers, partners, and society.”

The trucks produce electricity via a reaction between stored hydrogen and ambient oxygen, offering a 260-kilometer range that balances sustainability with commercial functionality.

The program will initiate with routes for Fujitsu Limited, a Japanese IT firm, with more trucks added in 2025 to include other customers.

Takashi Yamanishi, EVP, CSSO, Fujitsu Limited, added: “We are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain by 2040 as part of our long-term environmental strategy, the Fujitsu Climate & Energy Vision. We are pleased to explore the potential of hydrogen-powered transportation as a new energy solution through our collaboration with DHL Supply Chain Japan. We will continue to accelerate and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly supply chains.”

New Energy is central to DHL Group's 2030 strategy, encompassing logistics for wind, solar, EVs and batteries, energy storage, charging, grid, alternative fuels, and hydrogen.

Sachiko Kokue, ESG & Sustainability Head, DHL Supply Chain Japan, stated: “The introduction of hydrogen trucks is an important breakthrough towards achieving decarbonization in the transportation sector. This pilot has been made possible with the support of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, who helped facilitate our involvement in this initiative led by the Japanese government and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT). Through this project, we aim to demonstrate a realistic pathway for implementing next-generation energy solutions in logistics.”

DHL is dedicated to aiding clients in emission reductions and pioneering low-carbon logistics.