Sterling PlanB, NYK Trading to enable zero-carbon shipping in Japan

Sterling PlanB has signed an exclusive agreement with NYK Trading Corp. for the distribution of Sterling PlanB's energy storage systems (ESS) in the domestic maritime market of Japan. 

Sterling PlanB, an energy storage solutions provider for the maritime industry, has signed an exclusive agreement with NYK Trading Corp. the trading company of NYK Group for the sales and distribution of Sterling PlanB's energy storage systems (ESS) in Japan.

The two partners hope to bring new standards of ESS performance and safety to the domestic Japanese maritime market, particularly for small vessels such as tugboats, short-distance ferries, and merchant vessels.

"This move reflects the growing awareness that energy storage technology will be an essential component of the evolution of zero-carbon shipping, both in Japan and globally," Sterling PlanB stated in an official release.

The partnership between the two companies intends to underscore the role ESS can play in peak shaving, managing a hotel load, or supplying emergency power, both increasing performance and safety, and reducing fuel consumption whether it is used in combination with zero-carbon fuels, wind-assisted propulsion, or other optimization solutions.

Sterling PlanB stands to benefit from the network, resource, and scale of NYK Trading Corp.,-- an already established supplier of maritime fuel, lubricants oil, and mechanical instrumentation business glocally with strong links with shipowners, shipyards, and technology integrators in Japan.

"We are honored and proud to be joining forces with NYK Trading Corporation to bring our ESS solutions to this market. With their scale and expertise, we look forward to working together to ensure that ESS and battery power are a major part of Japan's clean shipping future," said Brent Perry, CEO of Sterling PlanB.

NYK Trading, on the other hand, will be using its strong network to establish a strong sales foundation for ESS and fuel cell suppliers and the battery propulsion market as a whole, as the maritime ESS market in Japan remains relatively immature.

"Sterling PlanB has demonstrated that they are an innovative company that has made safety its top priority. We recognize the urgent need for shipping to reduce its carbon emissions, and as such, look forward to providing our customers with a world-leading ESS solution," said Keiji Tsuchiya, Representative Director, CEO from NYK Trading.