HOME > Corporate Social Responsibility > Division CSR Activities > Machinery & Aerospace
Toward a Richer World and a Greener Earth
One of the goals of this division, which has operations mainly overseas, is to help enrich societies all over the world. We propose steel, cement, paper pulp, textiles, fertilizer, chemical, power generation and other projects to countries everywhere and aim to contribute to economic growth in those countries by making those projects a reality.
We intend to concentrate on the automotive field and on information and communications technology, including mobile phones, to make people’s lives safer, more convenient and more affluent.
Another of our goals is to keep the earth green. To this end, we are promoting high-efficiency cogeneration systems using natural gas, a clean fuel, to reduce CO2 emissions and prevent global warming, and mass transit systems including subways, railways and monorails to reduce traffic congestion and be more environmentfriendly.
Further, this division, which has broad relations with all fields of industry, including core subsidiaries Sojitz Machinery Corporation (information and industrial machinery), Sojitz Marine & Engineering Corporation (ships), Sojitz Aerospace Corporation (aircraft) and overseas business companies, hopes to contribute to harmonious social development by carrying out business with a strong awareness of the contribution we can make toward resolving social issues.
Environment-friendly Cogeneration Project
Because of skyrocketing oil prices, stronger concerns about the environment and energy saving, and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, Sojitz has taken the initiative to propose energy solutions to Japanese-owned manufacturing plants in other Asian countries to adopt cogeneration systems supplying electric power and heat and convert to natural gas as an energy source.
After investing in natural gas-fueled cogeneration plants in Vietnam and Mexico, we are continuing to invest in other similar projects, and in large cogeneration systems and solar power generation abroad.
Rail Transport Systems for a Cleaner Environment and Economic Benefit
Traffic congestion in Ho Chi Minh City
For over half century, Sojitz has been supplying railway vehicles and transportation systems to the world market. We won a contract to supply 120 of the advanced environment- friendly commuter railcars to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority of Philadelphia in the United States which are scheduled to put into service in 2010. We are also vigorously proposing a low-noise monorail system blending in with the urban scenery in Korea.
Cities in Vietnam are plagued by severe traffic jams that cause air pollution and generate economic losses of 300,000 U.S. dollars a day. In Ho Chi Minh City, Sojitz suggested a construction of Vietnam’s first subway line, and in 2007 the Japanese government agreed to provide ODA loan for the project. After international tender to select the contractors to supply the subway system, the line is projected to open for revenue service in 2014.
New High-speed Ferry Natchan Rera Goes into Servic
Natchan Rera
The Natchan Rera, the world’s largest high-speed ferry, went into service between the Japanese cities of Hakodate and Aomori. This wave piercing catamaran, the first in Japan made from an aluminum alloy, can reach a top speed of 45 knots (80 km/h) and cruise at 36 knots (67km/h) when fully loaded. Whereas conventional ferries take three hours and 50 minutes to make the trip between Hakodate and Aomori, the Natchan Rera covers the distance in one hours and 45 minutes. This ferry is expected to have great economic impact and not only local businesses but all of Japan are showing strong interest.
The ship, built by Incat, an Australian shipbuilder, was supplied by Sojitz Marine & Engineering Corporation. Its lightweight aluminum alloy body, coupled with Incat’s exclusive wave piercing technology, ensures a smooth, rapid and safe ride, even in heavy seas of Tsugaru Straight in winter. A second ship, the Natchan World, is expected to go into service in May 2008.
