A shared network of underground utility tunnels runs beneath Minato Mirai 21 Central District to house infrastructure such as waterworks pipes, gas pipes, and electrical cables. Placing infrastructure below ground increases its earthquake resilience and eliminates the need for overhead cables and poles, thus improving the appearance of the cityscape.
The heating and cooling supply pipes that connect Center Plant and No. 2 Plant to buildings in the district are also housed in these utility tunnels.
Cold water and steam produced in the plants pass through the heating and cooling supply pipes to each building and return to the plants after use.
This roughly 8-km network of pipes is inspected regularly by MM21 DHC technicians, who enter the utility tunnels to check for steam and water leaks, thus helping to ensure stable supply.
District piping network
Standard shared utility tunnel
