Contributing to the regeneration of seaweed beds and blue carbon business.
Verdant Bloom Limited, which holds 100% of Japan-Post-Carrier Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as 'Japan Post Carrier') and Urchinomics Group (hereinafter referred to as 'Urchinomics') aims to contribute to prevention of global warming through the regeneration of seaweed beds, which support marine biodiversity, and the absorption and reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) by seaweeds and seagrasses. On July 24, Japan Post Carrier entered into a contract to invest in Verdant Bloom Limited.
The current status of seaweed beds.
Seaweed beds, where seaweed breeds in shallow waters of the oceans, have become a living space for marine life such as small fish and a breeding ground by absorbing and storing CO2 in the atmosphere through photosynthesis, attracting attention as 'blue carbon'. On the other hand, in recent years, the increase in sea urchins has become a major problem because they eat up seaweed and cause 'Isonaka' (seaweed bed depletion). The proliferated sea urchins are in a state of starvation and are not suitable for consumption, so they are not collected.
The state of the depleted seaweed bed.
Urchinomics operates by collecting the overpopulated sea urchins at multiple locations domestically and internationally, feeding them with naturally-derived feed to raise them into sea urchins suitable for consumption. The raised sea urchins are sold as food, and the profits from sales are returned to the removal of sea urchins and the recovery of seaweed beds through further business expansion.
Its circular business model has received high praise for its approach to recovering seaweed beds and is one of the officially recommended projects selected by three profit-making companies in the 'UN Decade of Ocean Science' project.
Japan Post Group, which runs a comprehensive logistics business centering on marine transportation, regards marine environmental conservation as one of the main themes to be tackled under the concept of 'returning benefits to the ocean'. In this context, Japan Post Carrier has decided to invest in order to help preserve marine biodiversity by reviving seaweed beds, as well as to contribute to decarbonization. The company will continue to accumulate knowledge towards the establishment of a method for evaluation and creditization of blue carbon, which is expected to contribute to carbon removal.
The circular business model of Urchinomics' sea urchin farming business.
The purpose of Japan Post Carrier's investment.
Japan Post Group, which runs a comprehensive logistics business centered on marine transportation, regards marine environmental conservation as one of the main themes to be tackled under the concept of 'returning benefits to the ocean.' By reviving seaweed beds to preserve marine biodiversity and contributing to decarbonization, the company has decided to invest with an aim of establishing a method for evaluation and creditization of blue carbon, which is expected to contribute to carbon removal in the future.
Comments by Giles Cadman, Chairman and CEO of Verdant Bloom.
Our partnership with Japan Post Carrier is a significant milestone for both our companies. We have emphasized our collaboration with partners seeking comprehensive solutions based on nature to combat climate change. Japan Post Carrier's thoughtful and advanced approach to environmental issues is highly compatible with our business.
We are grateful that Japan Post Carrier has placed its trust in our company's mission, and we will embark on a journey together to revive seaweed beds and fight against climate change. Through this partnership, we hope to highlight the importance of our activities and expect them to have a positive impact on the environment.
Comments by Shinichi Shibutani, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Japan Post Carrier Co., Ltd.
Through this investment, we will vigorously promote the resolution of social issues represented by 'Isonaka' and the creation of blue carbon credits as new challenges in a mutually supportive manner. Japan Post Group will not only invest in activities by Urchinomics, but also consider providing added value.
Left: Shinichi Shibutani, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Japan Post Carrier Co., Ltd. Right: Giles Cadman, Chairman, and CEO of Verdant Bloom Ltd.
Overview of each company.
Verdant Bloom Ltd.
Headquarters: Ireland.
Chairman & CEO: Giles Cadman
Business Content: Holding Company
Urchinomics Group
Headquarters: UK
CEO: Perry Bevin
Business Content: Sea Urchin Rearing, Rearing Technology Provision, Sea Urchin Sales
URL for Japanese Company:
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President and CEO: Kiya Soga
Business Content: Comprehensive Logistics Business
URL: