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IINO LINES consistent. reaching the ? eet. The process begins more detailed analysis involving data “We believe that technologies will en- with sourcing opportunities through start- review, simulations and stakeholder hance our safety, reliability and e? cien- up networks, venture capital partners or evaluation before moving to pilot de- cy, which are all eventually connected to industry contacts. Next comes an initial ployments aboard selected vessels.

stakeholders’ satisfaction.” screening that evaluates both technical Only after proof-of-concept testing

That philosophy has become increas- feasibility and commercial ? t. does the company determine whether ingly important as maritime operators From there, technologies undergo broader implementation makes business confront simultaneous pressure to de- carbonize, improve vessel economics and prepare for an aging workforce.

INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

Despite its long history dating to 1899, IINO does not rely exclusively on internal research.

Instead, Togasaki has built an innova- tion ecosystem that extends well beyond the company’s engineering departments.

His position in New York has allowed him to cultivate relationships with start- up companies, venture capital ? rms and innovation platforms before returning to

Tokyo this summer.

“New York has been the best place for me to build relationships with startups, venture capitals and innovation plat- forms,” he said.

But those relationships represent only the beginning of IINO’s technology pipeline.

When a potential solution emerges, the company assembles internal stake- holders, including technical and com- mercial departments, to determine whether the technology aligns with op- erational needs.

If hardware testing is required, ship- yards often become part of the evalua- tion process.

“Our ecosystem, not only startups and investors but also existing indus- try community, plays an inevitable role to evaluate new technology,” Togasaki said. “So we always collaborate.”

It’s a process designed to reduce risk while accelerating learning.

SHIPBOARD TRIAL

Innovation inside commercial ship- ping rarely happens overnight.

For IINO Lines, every technology fol- lows a structured evaluation path before www.marinelink.com 21

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