Hitachi, MOL, JAL to Conduct Japan’s First Pilot Test of CO2 Removal Technology

Direct Ocean Capture Technology Hitachi, MOL, JAL to Conduct Japan’s First Pilot Test of CO2 Removal Technology

2026-08-11 Source: Press release Hitachi 2 min Reading Time

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Under a MOU signed between Hitachi, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Japan Airlines Co., the three parties will jointly conduct Japan's first pilot test of the Direct Ocean Capture technology, a technology that directly separates and captures CO2 dissolved in seawater, on Kume Island, Okinawa Prefecture.

Rendered image of the container-type pilot test facility and the pilot test site. (Source: Hitachi) — Rendered image of the container-type pilot test facility and the pilot test site.
(Source: Hitachi)

Tokyo/Japan – Hitachi, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Japan Airlines Co. (JAL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct Japan's first*1 pilot test on Kume Island, Okinawa Prefecture, utilizing Direct Ocean Capture (hereinafter "DOC")—a technology that directly separates and captures CO2 dissolved in seawater.

In this pilot test, the three companies aim to confirm the applicability of DOC technology using seawater from around Kume Island, and obtain foundational data on operational challenges and environmental impacts for deployment along Japan's coast. Specifically, the test will use containerized pilot equipment installed on land on Kume Island, taking in seawater to separate CO2. In addition to this initiative, Kume Island hosts cutting - edge pilot projects that leverage its location, such as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)*2. With a concentration of expertise and talent in ocean research, the island offers an optimal environment for conducting Japan's first DOC pilot test.

Based on the knowledge gained from this project, the three companies will explore potential applications and expansion of DOC technology —including local utilization of captured CO2, as well as promotional and environmental education initiatives centered on this pilot test —to contribute to the creation of new ocean - based value (the Blue Economy*3).

*1 Japan's first: As a DOC pilot test using pilot equipment connected to a seawater intake system, drawing in, processing, and discharging seawater from actual sea areas. As of July 2026, based on research by the three companies.

*2 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): A renewable energy generation system that produces electricity by driving turbines using the temperature difference (approx. 20°C) between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater.

*3 Blue Economy: An economic model that balances economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the health of ocean ecosystems through the sustainable use of ocean resources.

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