Decarbonization Promotion Project for Industrial Vehicles, etc. — Ports Decarbonization Promotion Project (CO2 Emission Reduction Countermeasures Subsidy)

(1) Overview: This subsidy is administered by the Hokkaido Environmental Foundation as executor for the Ministry of the Environment under the CO2 Emission Reduction Countermeasures Subsidy (Ports Decarbonization Promotion Project). It aims to spread Carbon Neutral Port (CNP) formation nationwide by supporting onshore power supply equipment for ships, leading-edge low/zero-carbon container cargo handling machinery, and retrofit conversion of existing machinery. Applicants must demonstrate CO2 reduction basis and report actual reductions after completion. (2) Eligible applicants: (i) private enterprises including port operators; (ii) local public bodies and port managers; (iii) general/public-interest associations and foundations; (iv) other entities approved by the Foundation with Ministerial consent; and (v) finance-lease providers supplying eligible equipment to (i)-(iv). Joint applications are allowed with a designated representative. All applicants must pledge against organized-crime ties. (3) Eligible expenses: Three project types are eligible — (a) onshore power supply equipment for ships; (b) hybrid / hydrogen-conversion / hydrogen-fueled / electric-vehicle-type container cargo handling machinery (transfer cranes, straddle carriers, reach stackers, top lifters, tractor heads; forklifts excluded); (c) retrofit conversion of existing machinery to type-(b) drive systems. Eligible costs cover construction (main / incidental / machinery & equipment / surveying & testing), equipment, operations, and administrative expenses approved by the Foundation, with profit removed from in-house procurement. Plans must include renewable energy and biofuel use at the site. (4) Subsidy rate, cap, schedule: (a) up to 1/3 of eligible costs (cap JPY 100M); (b) up to 2/3 of the difference vs. conventional models (1/2 for hybrid); (c) up to 2/3 of retrofit costs (1/2 for hybrid; cap JPY 100M). Projects are normally single-year, with up to three fiscal years allowed. FY2026 deadline: 26 Feb 2027. The application period runs 21 May 2026 to 30 Oct 2026 18:00 JST; reviewed monthly, decisions within ~40 days. Submission via Jgrants or email with Forms 1-3 plus attachments. Evaluation covers CO2 reduction cost, decarbonization plan, implementation structure, and financial plan; Decarbonization Leading Area designation and TCFD endorsement earn bonus points.