Sulnox, the greentech company delivering lower fuel costs and emissions with zero capex, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Exeno Yamamizu Corporation (“Exeno Yamamizu”) as its first Japan-based distributor.
Established in 1947, Exeno Yamamizu is a longstanding Japanese maritime services company whose major shareholders include shipping giants NYK Line and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Its activities span marine fuel and lubricants, specialist chemicals, shipbroking and marine engineering. Exeno Yamamizu already supplies marine fuel treatment products and has established relationships across Japanese shipowners, operators and shipyards, providing Sulnox with an experienced partner to develop its presence in one of the world's most important shipping markets.
According to BIMCO, the international shipping association, Japan is the world's third-largest shipowning nation, with approximately 604 shipowners controlling around 12% of global fleet capacity by deadweight tonnage. With major Japanese shipowners targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, the industry faces growing pressure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from existing fleets while alternative fuels and technologies continue to develop.
Sulnox Eco™ helps address these challenges by improving combustion efficiency without requiring engine modifications or capital investment. The 100% organic fuel conditioner has demonstrated average fuel savings of approximately 5% in marine applications and 8% in land-based applications, alongside reductions in CO₂ and other harmful emissions, including particulate matter reductions of c.90% in independent testing. It also enhances engine condition through improved lubricity, reduced carbon deposits and injector plugging, while independent testing has demonstrated improved biofuel stability and reduced corrosion risk – all achieved by simply adding it to the existing fuel.
Exeno Yamamizu will initially focus on Japanese marine fleets and the wider maritime sector, with scope to expand into other sectors as the partnership develops. Beyond shipping, Japan consumes more than 70 billion litres of diesel and petrol a year, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry forecasts. The country is also targeting the introduction of petrol containing up to 10% directly blended bioethanol (E10) by fiscal year 2030, and up to 20% (E20) from fiscal year 2040. These developments could create additional opportunities for Sulnox Eco as Japan's fuel mix evolves.
The move into Japan builds on Sulnox's growing commercial momentum in the global maritime industry, including four-year supply agreements with leading shipping companies Eastern Pacific Shipping and Spring Marine, covering more than 80 vessels combined. Both agreements followed extensive operational evaluations demonstrating consistent fuel savings and wider operational benefits.
Sulnox and Exeno Yamamizu will undertake a joint client roadshow across Japan, targeting major shipping companies with the objective of initiating vessel evaluations and developing commercial opportunities.
The partnership was marked by a signing ceremony in Tokyo on 22 October 2026, and facilitated by H&S Energy Consultants Ltd. (“H&SE”), which has also entered into a separate cooperation agreement with Exeno Yamamizu to jointly develop business in the Japanese market.
Ben Richardson, CEO of Sulnox, said:
“Japan is one of the world's most influential maritime markets and an important step in our growth across Asia. Its shipowners hold themselves to exacting standards, and we believe the evidence behind Sulnox Eco will resonate strongly with them.
Exeno Yamamizu brings deep industry expertise and established relationships across Japanese shipping, providing a strong platform for our expansion into this market. With major international shipping companies increasingly committing to long-term use of Sulnox Eco, we are looking forward to building on that momentum in Japan.”
Yoji Takano, Senior Managing Director of Exeno Yamamizu, said:
“Japanese owners and operators are under growing pressure to reduce carbon intensity while managing costs and a changing fuel mix. Sulnox Eco offers a practical solution that requires no changes to vessels or infrastructure, and it complements the marine chemicals and supply services we already provide. We look forward to introducing it to the marine industry across Japan.”
