A demonstration experiment of a new form of transportation, SRC (Smart-Relay Container-system), was conducted in Kushiro.
June 18, 2026
ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (Location: Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture; President and CEO: Takashi Kakihara , hereinafter referred to as "ShinMaywa Industries") is hereby the joint venture of KURIBAYASHI STEAMSHIP Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Hiroshi Kuribayashi, hereinafter Kuribayashi Steamship), Mitsuwa Transportation Co.,Ltd. (Head Office: Kushiro City, Hokkaido, President and CEO: Sadamasa Kuribayashi (hereafter Mitsuwa Transportation), we conducted a demonstration experiment of a combined cargo transportation using the RORO liner *1, which operates from Kushiro Port to Honshu.
- *1 "RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) ferry: A ship on which trucks and trailers can drive themselves onto the ship."
Background leading to the demonstration experiment
In December 2024, the City of Kushiro formulated the “Kushiro Port Future Vision,” establishing the concept of “becoming a hub supporting Eastern Hokkaido” as its logistics vision. The city is developing a plan to establish Kushiro Port as a logistics hub for Eastern Hokkaido, shifting logistics operations currently concentrated in the Central Hokkaido region. Meanwhile, ShinMaywa Industries is engaged in activities to create new businesses by leveraging the expertise gained through the special purpose truck project. As part of this effort, the company is exploring the “SRC (Smart-Relay Container-system),” a new transportation system utilizing domestic-specific container standards designed to improve the efficiency of domestic logistics. The company was seeking an opportunity to maximize the effectiveness of this system.In the course of conducting industry research, we focused on the aforementioned concept proposed by Kushiro City. We took the lead in coordinating with the partner companies participating in this demonstration experiment, and our proposal was accepted by the city, leading to the realization of the demonstration experiment.
Details of the demonstration experiment
- Kushiro Port does not have ferry services, but it does have a RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry service. However, since it is primarily used for mass transportation by trailer, it is necessary to consolidate cargo in the vicinity of Kushiro Port, which has resulted in limited utilization.
However, if efficient consolidation becomes possible using SRC, consolidation operations near Kushiro Port will become a reality, and by having consolidated trailers depart directly from Kushiro Port on RORO regular ships, Kushiro Port can be utilized as a logistics hub for eastern Hokkaido.
The loading and unloading process demonstrated in this experiment
- While RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) regular vessels are primarily used as a means transportation large quantities of goods in bulk, the use of "SRC (Steel Reinforced Concrete) individual compartment containers" makes it possible to transportation.
- Because consolidation is performed in container units rather than by manual loading, it facilitates efficient transshipment and trailer consolidation transportation.
- By using "SRC individual compartment containers" for mixed shipments, we can ensure the quality and security of your goods.
SRC (Smart-Relay Container-system) is
ShinMaywa Industries is currently developing transportation transportation specifically for domestic use. By standardizing containers as the smallest unit of transportation, it enables efficient handover between various types of transportation equipment, making smart relay transportation possible.
Furthermore, by offering a lineup of containers and trucks in unprecedentedly small vehicle sizes, we envision their use as a solution to promote modal shift through small-lot consolidated shipments.
Example of a standard
- 1SRC container and SRC semi-trailer
- 2SRC containers and SRC semi-trailers
SRC Truck SRC Truck- Overall length x overall width x overall height: 4.44m x 1.9m x 2.0m
- Maximum load capacity: 3,000 kg
- Fastening method: Twist lock system
- Maximum number of containers that can be loaded (mixed loading is also possible)
DRY TALL Container - 1 piece
DRY SMALL Container (2 pieces)
COLD TALL Container - 1 piece
(We are also considering vehicle types with increased maximum container capacity (such as 4-ton and 10-ton trucks).)
- 3SRC mixed platform
We are currently developing a platform that incorporates highly efficient transportation using SRC (Steel Reinforced Convergence) technology, based on our customers' transportation-related challenges. This platform will not only offer solutions that leverage the characteristics of SRC, but will also include API integration with related systems other than our own, which are currently in use. *2 This will allow customers to utilize their existing expertise.
- *2 API integration: A mechanism for sharing functions and data between different software, systems, and applications via the internet.
Mixed loading platform: Image (left), container position selection image (right)
Future plans
In this demonstration experiment, we confirmed the operational status (temperature and humidity inside the container) of a small reefer container compatible with AC100V power supply, as well as the quality of the transportation seafood products. We also confirmed the workability of transferring the smallest container ever used. Based on these experimental results, we will conduct a cost comparison with conventional transportation methods and examine the feasibility of modal shift using SRC (Steel Reinforced Concrete).
In particular, Hokkaido faces challenges in ensuring the continuity of truck transportation, and although modal shift is being promoted in some areas, there are challenges in modal shifting of temperature-sensitive goods between Tomakomai Port and Kushiro Port. To realize consolidated transportation under temperature control as required for each individual shipment, we will continue to explore the use of SRC (Seasoned Restriction Carrier).
Please note that this method differs significantly from conventional truck and trailer systems in terms of transportation flow and equipment used, requiring verification of various patterns before implementation. We are working with companies interested in our current demonstration experiment and SRC to conduct further experiments based on specific cases, with the aim of commercialization. We welcome inquiries and requests for cooperation in demonstration experiments from shippers and logistics companies who have "problems" to address.
| FY2026 | FY2027 | 2028年度 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstration experiment (Hokkaido) | |||
| Demonstration experiment (nationwide) | |||
| Summary of the demonstration experiment and consideration of commercialization | |||
| Considering a mixed-load platform |
Contact Information
Details of this initiative
Innovation Strategy Division, ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
3-2-43 Shitte, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0003, Japan
For news organizations
Brand Communications Strategy Group, Corporate Planning Division, Corporate Planning Department, ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
1-1 Shinmeiwa-cho, Takarazuka, Hyogo, 665-8550, Japan
The information published in this content is current as of the date of publication.
Please note that this information may differ from the latest information due to changes in our group's business strategies and organization.