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oices “We are trying to utilize a lot of data to improve our opera- tions, and we have had some success in making vessel opera- tions more ef? cient, and applying this knowledge to other ar- eas as well. It is not a simple process. In order to effectively utilize data, you have to collect it and you have to visualize the data. But most importantly you have to use the information to actually make changes in your business. That is arguably the most important element. And also the most dif? cult.It is a challenge primarily from the human element aspect. Most people doing their job would likely argue that they are doing a

Tanaka on “Big Data” good job. But when you bring in the data element and perhaps

Photo: Greg Trauthwein a change of procedure, some may resist. But data driven changes can help to provide different visions and so-

Yasuo Tanaka lutions to a common problem. Getting organizationto

Senior Managing Corporate Of? cer, Naval Architect buy-in and change is the real challenge. he story of NYK cannot start 18 aircraft. certed and intelligent investment in new half the story, as true tech leaders in any without a look at the num- It is this breadth and depth that has technology, technology investment in- sector help to blaze a technology trail bers, because the numbers tell been central in the company’s ability to tended to not only make operations more with investment above and beyond that

Tthe story in a most impressive hold its own, particularly in recent years ef? cient but also more environmentally mandated. NYK is one such technol- fashion. (Note: The following numbers as markets have not been kind to ship friendly. ogy leader, as evidence by an impressive are taken from the company’s 2015 An- owners, according to Tanaka. “Many “I think the most important point is breadth and depth of technology invest- nual Report as well as reported numbers ship operators this year are suffering, sustainability,” said Tanaka. “Global ment and creation.

as of April 2016). Founded September NYK is keeping its head above water.” warming and environmental issues are Testament to this is the Monohakobi 29, 1885, from humble beginnings NYK Also, Tanaka credits the company’s at the forefront, and it is estimated that Technology Institute (MTI), which was has grown into a global goliath. It starts overall mindset as integral to it maintain 4% of total Green House Gases are com- established by NYK Line in April 2004, with $24 billion in revenue; 33,520 em- focus and continuity of quality of service ing from shipping. Four percent is not a and is a Tokyo-based research and devel- ployees and 840 ships with an aggregate in times good and bad. “Most important small number, and we must (as a ship- opment arm with 63 employees. “MTI of more than 66,000,000 dwt. That ? eet is we have to support our clients with ping industry) do this ourselves. It is was formed when top management of includes 408 Bulk Carriers, 123 Car a long-term view,” said Tanaka. “This about transparency; it is about environ- NYK identi? ed environmental issues

Carriers, 104 Containerships and 68 helps us to be a better company, to pro- mental responsibility.” as the driving force for ship develop-

Tankers, to name a few. And that’s just vide better technology and creative so- In the maritime sector, tech investment ment and design,” said Tanaka. (“Mono- the maritime ? eet. The Logistics busi- lutions: Taking a long-term view is our in the name of safety, the environment hakobi” roughly translates to “Quality ness includes 484 distribution centers in mindset. and ef? ciency has gained considerable Transport.”) (*Four R&D projects which 40 countries, a cumulative 2.25 million traction in recent years, spurred mainly NYK and MTI are jointly participating square meters of warehouse space, 23 NYK & the “Super Eco Ship 2030” by legislation. But upgrading vessels in in were selected by the Ministry of Land, container ports, 19 RoRo terminals and Central to that long-term view is a con- response to legislative mandate is only Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism 1885

Yubin Kisen Mitsubishi

Kaisha and Kyodo

Unyu Kaisha merge on

September 29 to form

Nippon Yusen Kaisha 1893 1914 1920 1926 1939 (NYK); new company inaugurates operations Japan’s ? rst long-distance Tokushima Maru, ? rst Japa- New York branch opens. Twin red stripes on white NYK acquires Kinkai Yusen on October 1 with a ? eet liner service begins on nese ship to pass through background becomes of- Kaisha Ltd.

of 58 steamships. Bombay route. the new Panama Canal. ? cial funnel mark.

36 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • SEPTEMBER 2016

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