NYK: digital transformation a ‘catalyst for change’ 

NYK’s implementation of digitalisation, IT networks and generative AI has accelerated data-driven management decisions and refined previous decisions. This is backed by strengthened cyber security on land and sea, an established, robust data infrastructure and an investment in human resources, including deploying more than 1,000 DX engineers worldwide and establishing DX leaders in each department.

NYK has implemented a DX resources development programme for all employees, including non-IT departments, and has optimised operating schedules for its vessels.

“Moving forward, the group will actively harness generative AI and other data-driven technologies to achieve a management approach that is both efficient and environmentally sustainable,” said NYK in a presentation.

NYK Group will establish DX and IT bases in the US, Europe and Asia to provide IT services tailored to the circumstances of each region, “while using networking technology and human resources through a common governance and communication platform to promote DX in collaboration across the globe,” the shipowner said.

“We are actively implementing initiatives, such as appointing DX leaders within each business department, to nurture professionals who can proactively drive DX in the field.”

NYK’s investment for future DX and technology advances was accelerated in early February when it made an equity investment in Kamakura, Japan-headquartered Oceanic Constellations, to support the production of unmanned surface vessels and marine simulators.

DX will also include autonomous navigation, remote monitoring and command centres, zero-emissions ships and explore crewless vessels and floating green data centres offshore.