Climate Change Mitigation

In response to intensifying climate change, we are helping reduce environmental impact, including CO₂ emissions, through weather services powered by forecasting technology and big data.

By analyzing marine weather conditions and vessel performance characteristics, we help enable safe, fuel-efficient voyages. We also provide power demand forecasts based on the relationship between temperature and how people experience it, as well as solar power generation forecasts using solar radiation data, both of which contribute to improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Drawing on our core capabilities in weather forecasting and big data analysis, Weathernews delivers solutions that help businesses maximize performance while reducing their environmental impact. By supporting the sustainable growth of companies facing environmental challenges, we contribute to a healthier global environment.

Our OSR (Optimum Ship Routeing) service within the Sea Planning business analyzes the fuel and speed performance of each individual vessel to recommend the most efficient route and engine speed by making full use of wind and wave conditions. OSR supports vessel operation management around the clock, providing safe routes that minimize voyage time.

Beyond avoiding rough weather risks, OSR enables fuel-efficient voyages for economic efficiency, on-time arrivals that meet charter contract requirements, and environmentally conscious voyages that minimize fuel consumption. This service also contributes to a reduction of approximately 2.8 million MT of CO₂ annually.

By addressing the full spectrum of vessel operation needs, including Safety, Punctuality, Economic Efficiency, and Environmental Performance, OSR has been adopted by a growing number of companies worldwide. We are working toward expanding the service to 10,000 vessels, representing approximately half of the world's ocean-going fleet.

We have also launched a new Carbon Intensity Monitoring service, which objectively records and quantifies the CO₂ reductions generated through OSR-driven fuel savings. Using advanced data cleansing technology developed by a specialized team, we precisely measure the environmental impact of each voyage. We expect this service to drive CO₂ emission reductions across the wider industry and contribute to global warming countermeasures.

In the energy sector, we have developed a Power Demand Forecast Model using proprietary AI technology, which forms the foundation of our Supply and Demand Planning Support Service. Drawing on weather data from approximately 13,000 locations nationwide and around 180,000 daily user-submitted weather condition reports, we produce high-accuracy, region-specific power demand forecasts. To help electricity and gas companies stabilize energy supply and optimize resource use and costs, we currently support the operations of approximately 20 companies both in Japan and internationally.

For renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, we offer a Renewable Energy Generation Estimation and Control Support Service. Expanding the share of renewable energy with low environmental impact is an active priority for developed nations worldwide, and is a key issue aligned with SDG Target 7.3. The primary challenge with renewable energy is that output fluctuates with weather conditions. By generating more precise power output forecasts through this service, we help optimize overall energy planning and power sales strategies, supporting the broader adoption of renewable energy.

Our Supply and Demand Planning Support Service extends to the distribution and retail sector as well. Supply and demand in the distribution market are heavily influenced by weather conditions, and extreme weather events can increase risks such as product disposal loss and missed sales opportunities, as well as broader economic risks from supply chain disruptions. In Japan, the Act on Promotion of Food Loss and Waste Reduction, enacted in 2019, requires distribution operators to take further action.

Weathernews supports clients around the clock by forecasting future risks using PASCAL, our proprietary inventory optimization engine that predicts consumer behavior based on weather, backed by one of the world's largest weather databases. This service is currently used by a wide range of supply chain companies, including over 57,000 retail stores worldwide, as well as apparel brands, manufacturers, and the food service industry. By minimizing disposal waste, reducing surplus production in the supply chain, and helping businesses adapt to weather-related disaster risks, weather-informed distribution planning makes a meaningful contribution to building a sustainable society.

Built on weather services originally developed to protect the safety of sailors, Weathernews has cultivated deep expertise in weather forecasting and big data analysis. We are actively working to reduce CO₂ emissions through close partnerships with our customers. Every one of these services is the result of co-creation with our customers and supporters.

Going forward, we will continue advancing the technologies and solutions that help businesses maximize their performance while reducing their environmental impact, alongside deepening our global partnerships. We are committed to building the frameworks needed to realize a more sustainable industry and society as a whole.