Hitachi and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness have signed two international agreements that bring together Hitachi’s global expertise in mobility and energy with the region’s ambitions, along with the Port of Tyne’s growing role as a clean energy and low-carbon logistics hub. The agreements will boost the bus network, create new green jobs, and accelerate the North East’s transition to net zero.

Signed today in Tokyo, the agreements underline all parties' growing international partnerships and commitment to innovation, decarbonisation, and job creation.

The first agreement will see Hitachi support the Mayor’s vision to transform public transport in the North East, including her commitment to make every local bus in the region zero-emission within a decade. Bus passengers across the North East will benefit from Hitachi’s global expertise in advanced technology and charging solutions for zero-emission fleets.

With the North East recognised as the UK’s first AI Growth Zone, this strategic partnership will also explore how AI can enhance digital monitoring of transport vehicles and infrastructure across the region. Under the agreement, Hitachi and the North East Combined Authority will assess how Hitachi’s HMAX solutions can drive AI-powered innovation.

A second green jobs agreement will see Hitachi work with the North East Combined Authority and Port of Tyne on the vision to develop a 'Smart Port of the Future' via a dedicated clean e-fuels hub. The parties will work together to assess the viability of the on-site production and use of e-fuels to help decarbonise maritime transport and boost the regional economy. The partners will also collaborate on innovation, digital transformation, clean energy infrastructure and skills development.

The partnership between the North East Combined Authority, Port of Tyne and Hitachi builds on a shared vision for sustainable transport and clean energy.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, says: 'Japan’s investment in North East England continues and I’m pleased to be meeting the senior leadership team of Hitachi Ltd. and signing two new agreements which will see Hitachi back our plans to transform buses in the North East and boost our clean energy sector.

Andrew Barr, president of Hitachi Europe adds: 'Hitachi is proud to partner with the North East, Port of Tyne and Mayor Kim McGuinness on these important initiatives. Across Europe and around the world, we’re using our strengths in sustainable mobility and clean energy to help cities and regions tackle their biggest challenges — from decarbonising transport to creating the green jobs of the future. Working closely with forward-thinking local governments like the North East Mayoral Combined Authority allows us to combine global expertise with local ambition. Public-private partnership and knowledge sharing is how we believe devolution will deliver tangible benefits in the region, while also taking a regional approach to Industrial Strategy.'

Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne welcomed the MoU as the first step in creating a new clean e-fuels site, says: 'Today’s agreement strengthens Port of Tyne’s position as a leader in low-carbon logistics, combining Hitachi’s global expertise with our ambition for a world-class hub for passengers and freight. It is a decisive step towards creating the UK’s first zero-emissions port, powered by smart technology and green innovation, driving new investment and sustainable growth for the region.'