Kitakyushu Port Modal Shift Subsidy Program

This program supports new modal-shift cargo that uses domestic ferry or RORO services regularly calling at the Port of Kitakyushu. It is intended to address logistics labor constraints and reduce environmental burdens by shifting part of land transport to maritime transport, switching from another port to shorten inland distance, or creating new cargo that contributes to CO2 reduction. Eligible applicants are shippers and freight transport operators. The cargo must use domestic ferry or RORO services regularly calling at Kitakyushu Port and meet one of the modal-shift conditions. For ferry routes, at least 10 trucks or trailers must be transported on weekend departure or arrival sailings during the project period. For RORO routes, at least 10 containers or at least 10 trucks/trailers must be transported. The subsidy is paid as a fixed unit amount. Containers of 20 feet or less, or trucks/trailers under 8 meters, receive JPY 7,000 per unit on weekdays and JPY 12,000 per unit on weekends. Containers over 20 feet, or trucks/trailers of 8 meters or more, receive JPY 10,000 per unit on weekdays and JPY 15,000 per unit on weekends. The maximum subsidy is JPY 300,000 per application. The eligible project period runs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, while applications are accepted from April 1, 2026 to January 29, 2027. Prior consultation is required, applications are handled in order of receipt, and acceptance ends when the budget ceiling is reached. Duplicate support from other Kitakyushu City subsidy programs is not allowed, and performance reports must include transport certification by a third party such as the shipping company.