[081016.EN.BIZ] NYK President Rallies Staff In Anniversary Speech

NYK president Tadaaki Naito has marked the 131st anniversary of shipping line's founding by addressing company employees at its head office in Tokyo, calling on them to emulate the company by continually applying creativity and ingenuity in response to changes in the shipping industry.

He cited the example in the 1960s when liner trade was the main business of the NYK Group. However, the company overhauled the business model by taking determined steps to establish specialised shipping businesses designed for transporting coal, wood chips, cars, oil and LNG to suit Japan's period of rapid economic growth, which was just beginning.

"Foreseeing how the times would change early on, NYK responded flexibly and tactically, commissioning such new vessels while also giving importance to maintaining the company's reputation among customers as a trustworthy and dependable partner. From that time onward, NYK was able to ride out the storms resulting from changes in industries and switchovers to different energy sources," Mr Naito explained.

Another case which he brought up in his speech was when breakdowns in shipping conferences led to intensifying competition in the liner trade sector. "In response to this shift in the operating environment, we took the initiative of launching a logistics business. We have since been able to expand this business by applying creativity and ingenuity in various ways to meet customers' needs, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex."

He pointed out that over 20,000 employees in over 40 countries worldwide currently work in logistics operations managed by Yusen Logistics Co Ltd. The growth of this business has helped the NYK Group secure stable earnings.

"I think it is clear that the NYK Group has been making progress up to the present day by applying the group's creativity and ingenuity in pursuit of its own distinct path. Recognising that everyone including me feels anxious about trying new ways or making changes, we need to be bold enough to implement them.

"To 'overcome the raging seas' of today, let's set a course for a brighter tomorrow and adapt the NYK Group to the days ahead with both courage and conviction," Mr Naito said.

Source : HKSG.