The Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, signed two international agreements in Tokyo, Japan, today (Tuesday, November 18), with Hitachi and the Port of Tyne.

The deals will support greener public transport, create new jobs, and advance the region’s transition to clean energy.

Ms McGuinness said: "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.

"We know the Hitachi team well and continue to support the team at the factory in Newton Aycliffe.

"These new agreements will see us work even more closely in the future, so that our region can tap into global best practice and learn from other projects and systems to create a truly world-class transport system which puts the needs of passengers first."

The first agreement focuses on transforming public transport in the North East with Hitachi’s support.

It aims to reduce emissions from every local bus within a decade using advanced zero-emission technology and charging solutions.

The partnership will also explore how artificial intelligence can be used to improve digital monitoring of vehicles and infrastructure, making the region’s transport network smarter and more efficient.

The second agreement centres on the Port of Tyne and the development of a ‘Smart Port of the Future.’

Hitachi will work with the North East Combined Authority and the Port to explore the creation of a dedicated clean e-fuels hub.

This facility would support the production and use of e-fuels to decarbonise maritime transport and strengthen the regional economy.

The project will also focus on clean energy infrastructure, digital transformation, and skills development.

Ms McGuinness said: "Hitachi’s leadership in sustainable mobility and green energy will be invaluable as we deliver on our vision for a cleaner, fairer transport system.

"We have big plans for our region’s public transport and I’m determined to transform our transport, bringing buses back into public control and upgrading buses across the region so passengers will be able to see a fully electric fleet within a decade.

"To make this a reality, we need to work closely with partners like Hitachi to ensure we learn what has worked well elsewhere in the world and how we might take advantage of the tech in the North East.

"We’re also looking at a new e-fuels hub at Port of Tyne, which will help to reduce carbon emissions massively.

"The North East is the home of the green energy revolution and I’m delighted to be working closely with Hitachi and Port of Tyne to drive further growth in the clean energy sector, which could create up to 200 new jobs in our region."

Andrew Barr, president of Hitachi Europe Ltd, echoed the importance of collaboration.

Mr Barr said: "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 agreements.

Mr Beeton said: "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."