Posted on: January 13, 2026 / Last updated: January 13, 2026

[Logistics Finance Revolution] Mitsui & Co. Opens Digital Securities for Aircraft and Ships, Redefining Supply Chain Investment

Today, I will walk you through a groundbreaking development where Mitsui & Co. is preparing to launch Japan’s first digital securities backed by aircraft and ships, potentially transforming how individuals participate in logistics and transportation investments.

CONTENTS

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Making Logistics Assets Accessible to Individual Investors

According to a January 12 article by Nikkei, Mitsui & Co. plans to begin selling digital securities backed by aircraft and maritime assets as early as fiscal 2026.

The initiative is led by its subsidiary, Mitsui & Co. Digital Asset Management (MDM), which will tokenize ownership interests using blockchain technology and offer them to individual investors in small denominations.

Traditionally, investing in aircraft or vessels required tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars and was limited to institutional investors through schemes such as JOLCO.

However, this new structure allows participation from as little as approximately JPY 100,000 per unit via smartphone-based platforms.

This marks a major step toward democratizing investments in logistics infrastructure, which has long been inaccessible to the general public.

Why Aircraft and Ships, and Why Now?

There are three key drivers behind this timing.

Solid growth in global transportation demand
Balance-sheet optimization needs of airlines and shipping companies
Rapid advancement in financial technology and AI

In aviation, global passenger demand is projected to be more than double 2019 levels by 2043.

In shipping, fleet renewal driven by decarbonization and efficiency requirements continues to accelerate.

At the same time, asset-heavy operators are increasingly reluctant to hold all assets on their balance sheets, creating strong demand for alternative financing structures.

Digital securities connect this funding need with a vast pool of individual capital, creating a new investment channel for logistics assets.

AI-Driven Speed in Product Structuring

One of the most notable aspects of Mitsui’s initiative is its use of AI to streamline trust and contract structuring.

Traditionally, structuring such investment products could take six to twelve months due to legal and documentation requirements.

MDM has reportedly reduced this timeline to just one to two months by introducing AI-driven processes at its newly established trust entity.

This enables faster product launches aligned with market conditions and investor demand.

From Financial Products to “Experiential” Investments

The article also notes that investors in aircraft digital securities may receive perks such as seat upgrades or in-flight services.

Tracking the vessel or aircraft you have invested in via an app while receiving distributions transforms logistics assets into more than just financial instruments.

This could redefine logistics investment as a form of “engaged ownership” rather than passive capital allocation.

Risks and Long-Term Implications

Unlike real estate, aircraft and ships are highly sensitive to economic cycles and freight or charter rate volatility.

While higher returns may be possible, investors must also accept greater price and utilization risk.

Nevertheless, with Japan’s policy push toward becoming an “asset management nation” and the expansion of NISA, individual appetite for diversified investment options remains strong.

If other trading houses and shipping companies follow Mitsui’s lead, digital securities could become a core funding pillar for Japan’s logistics and transportation industries.