Hitachi, MOL and JAL Launch Japan’s First Direct Ocean Carbon Capture Pilot
Hitachi, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have signed a memorandum of understanding to carry out Japan’s first pilot project using Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to develop carbon dioxide removal solutions for hard-to-decarbonise industries.
The pilot project will be conducted on Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture, where the three companies will test technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from seawater. The initiative aims to assess the practicality of DOC technology in Japanese coastal waters while collecting operational and environmental data to support future commercial deployment.
The trial will use a containerised pilot facility installed on land, drawing in seawater from around Kume Island before separating dissolved carbon dioxide. Researchers will evaluate the system’s performance, identify operational challenges and monitor environmental impacts as part of the demonstration.
Kume Island was selected because it already hosts several advanced marine technology projects, including Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), making it an established centre for ocean research and innovation.
The project is intended to support the development of a domestic carbon removal industry while exploring new opportunities within the blue economy. The partners will also examine potential uses for the captured carbon dioxide, including as a feedstock for synthetic fuels such as e-SAF, as well as environmental education and regional development initiatives linked to the pilot.
Direct Ocean Capture is attracting growing attention as a carbon dioxide removal technology because seawater naturally contains around 100 to 150 times more dissolved carbon dioxide than the atmosphere. By extracting CO2 from seawater, the natural equilibrium between the ocean and atmosphere is disrupted, encouraging the ocean to absorb additional carbon dioxide from the air. Repeating this process has the potential to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations while requiring less energy than some direct air capture technologies.
The project reflects increasing interest in carbon removal technologies for sectors such as aviation and shipping, where achieving deep emissions reductions remains challenging. The three companies said developing domestic carbon removal capabilities could also reduce future reliance on imported carbon credits.
Hitachi, MOL and JAL have previously invested in US-based Direct Ocean Capture developer Captura Corp. and are now working together to evaluate the technology for potential deployment in Japan.
Hitachi will lead data collection and analysis during the pilot using advanced measurement technologies to monitor water quality, dissolved inorganic carbon and system performance. The company also plans to apply artificial intelligence to optimise plant operations and develop monitoring, reporting and verification systems capable of supporting future carbon credit generation.
MOL will oversee local coordination on Kume Island, drawing on its existing partnership with the local authority to prepare the pilot environment and engage regional stakeholders. The company said it also aims to explore new local industries linked to carbon removal and marine sustainability.
JAL will use the project to assess the future role of captured carbon dioxide in producing synthetic aviation fuel. Working alongside Japan Transocean Air and Ryukyu Air Commuter, the airline will also promote awareness of Direct Ocean Capture technology through regional engagement activities.
The partners view the pilot as the first step towards creating a domestic carbon economy centred on island communities, where captured carbon dioxide could eventually be converted into sustainable aviation fuel and other low-carbon products.
As governments and industries seek new ways to reach net zero emissions, Direct Ocean Capture is emerging as a promising technology capable of supporting carbon removal while creating new opportunities for the maritime, energy and aviation sectors.
