DHL Logistics Company Introduces Hydrogen-Powered Trucks in Japan to Lower Carbon Footprint in Transportation Operations
DHL Supply Chain Japan Launches Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Pilot Program
DHL Supply Chain Japan has embarked on a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell (FC) truck pilot program, in partnership with Fujitsu Limited, Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT), and other key players. This initiative is part of a government-supported initiative aimed at testing the feasibility and environmental benefits of hydrogen-powered logistics vehicles.
The pilot, which commenced in August 2025, is backed by funding and support from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and financial backing from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation through ESG-linked loans. The program aims to collect real-world operational data on range, refueling, maintenance, and performance to help advance hydrogen infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in Japan.
The expansion plans for this pilot include using these hydrogen trucks across metropolitan logistics routes in Japan, demonstrating zero-emission cargo transport, and paving the way for broader adoption of hydrogen fuel technologies. This initiative aligns with DHL's commitment to decarbonized logistics across multiple transport modes, as part of their broader sustainability target of running 30% of their air, road, and maritime transport operations on sustainable fuels by 2030.
The key companies involved in this project are DHL Supply Chain Japan (pilot operator and logistics provider), Fujitsu Limited (partner in cargo operations), CJPT (project leader), NEDO (funding/innovation), and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (green financing).
For Fujitsu Limited, this collaboration is a strategic fit within their long-term environmental strategy, the Fujitsu Climate & Energy Vision. The company aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across their value chain by 2040. Takashi Yamanishi, EVP and CSSO of Fujitsu Limited, has emphasized the strategic fit of their collaboration with DHL Supply Chain Japan.
This hydrogen truck program is a significant step for DHL's sustainable fuel ambitions, marking concrete progress toward their 2030 target of sustainable fuel usage in 30% of transport operations. It is also a breakthrough in the transportation sector, paving the way for greener logistics in Asia Pacific and beyond.
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[1] The collaboration between DHL Supply Chain Japan and Fujitsu Limited, alongside other partners, marks a stride in environmental-science, as they embark on a hydrogen fuel cell truck pilot program, aiming to test the viability and environmental benefits of hydrogen-powered logistics vehicles.
[2] Financial backing from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation through ESG-linked loans and funding from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) underscores the importance of the finance sector in supporting sustainability initiatives, such as promoting clean energy and reducing climate-change impacts.
[3] As part of their long-term environmental strategy, Fujitsu Limited aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across their value chain by 2040. This partnership with DHL Supply Chain Japan aligns with their strategy, demonstrating the fusion of industry and environmental-science to drive sustainable change and combat climate change.
