Business Sectors
Events
Contents
NYK advances digital transformation, AI, cyber security
A major Japanese shipping group is building defences against cyber threats as it advances its digital transition
NYK is investing in advanced cyber security technologies while progressing its digitalisation strategy and increasing its use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Japanese shipping conglomerate is at a critical phase in its digital transition after migrating its core IT systems, and it aims to automate more processes.
In his annual New Year’s address, NYK president Takaya Soga highlighted the importance of building defences against cyber risks as the group takes these transformational steps. As the group adopts digital initiatives and technologies, its onshore and shipboard IT systems could become vulnerable to cyber threats, which Mr Soga addressed.
“Cyber security is an area requiring vigilance, not only at the organisational level, but also individually, including on board ships,” he said.
“As seen in recent industry cases, once a breach occurs, repairing the damage demands enormous resources and risks a loss of trust and business distribution.”
It is not known whether Mr Soga was referring to cyber breaches at NYK or covering general industry and business incidents; however, he does not want NYK to become cyber compromised.
“While we are building advanced defences and standardising security levels across the group, even small individual mistakes can create vulnerabilities,” said Mr Soga. “You are aware of the random training emails sent periodically. Please exercise the utmost caution when using company-issued or personal devices,” he told staff.
In his address, Mr Soga outlined the progress of the Nikuman internal NYK project, which aims to transform businesses and create a new way of working.
“We have completed the migration of our core systems, and we now enter a critical phase – implementing concrete measures across the group to achieve significant process efficiencies and automated outputs for management,” said Mr Soga.
A key digital strategy is to apply AI across the corporation to improve efficiency and increase employee knowledge.
“Regarding AI, beyond large-scale system applications, I urge each of you to adopt the principle I often share: ‘let machines do what machines can’,” he said to NYK employees. “Utilise AI at the individual level to enhance processes and drive grassroots initiatives,” he added. “We plan to launch a special campaign this year to support these efforts.”
Mr Soga also expects NYK to continue its fleet investments in 2026, including adopting technologies to reduce emissions and expand its operations.
“Over the past three years, we have strengthened our business foundations, executed strategic mergers and acquisitions and vessel investments for stable future returns,” he said.
NYK has also “advanced decarbonisation technologies and new businesses through collaborative initiatives across Japan, improved capital efficiency, and introduced systems and wage revisions to ensure employees can work with pride and vitality.”
Connect with industry leaders across the Asian and Middle Eastern maritime sectors through Riviera’s premium events. Located conveniently in Singapore, we provide unparalleled access to the heart of the Asian maritime market.
Related to this Story
Events
Maritime Regulations Webinar Week
16 Dec 2025
GMT - ONLINE
Floating energy: successfully unlocking stranded gas using FLNGs and FSRUs
24 Feb 2026GMT - ONLINE
© 2024 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.
