In January of this year, Takeshi Shiotaniya (pictured) was appointed the president of Nippon Paint Marine. He will also serve as the president of Nippon Paint Industrial Coatings (NPIU), which handles industrial paints. As quoted by Takeshi Shiotani, “I want to make good use of both marine and NPIU resources, which will lead to collaboration and synergy creation, and further improve market performance.” While the industry’s environmental response has become a major issue, the next-generation hydrolyzed ship bottom antifouling paint “FASTAR” that was launched in January last year received positive market evaluation, and the number of vessels adopted at the end of last year reached 102 vessels. This year, we want to achieve more than double the number of last year’s vessel, “I want to make more than 250 vessels.”
"We are aiming to adopt 250 new vessels with Nippon Paint Marine antifouling paints."
-What are your thoughts and aspirations for becoming president?
“I think it makes sense to have a “concurrent role” with the president of NPIU. There are some areas where it is more efficient to consider each business with the entire group resources, and in the future, human resources and technologies of Marine and NPIU. Further cooperation and synergy creation will be required in terms of resources and procurement capacity of the two companies. We will make good use of the “group resources” of both companies to improve the performance in each market. Such efforts as the top of the two companies, what I can do is very interesting and I think it will be my aspiration.”
-About future management policy and target organization.
“We see the marine paint market as a growing industry from a global perspective, and we must meet its business demands. To do so, we need to be environmentally friendly, improve fuel efficiency, and volatile organic compounds. It is necessary to always be aware of customer policies such as VOC reduction and improve technology development and sales services. My job scope is mainly marine industrial synergies, but beyond the scope of the whole world, we would like to meet the expectations of the market and customers by utilizing the resources of the Nippon Paint Group in a more synergistic manner.”
-What is the biggest management issue at present?
“The most recent issue is that the prices of various raw materials are soaring across the board. Since we are a paint manufacturer, there are many petroleum-derived raw materials, and rising crude oil prices have a direct impact on business profits. Soaring prices of metal-based raw materials such as copper peroxide and zinc and global disruption in the supply chain also require close attention. Currently, the Group’s global level of procurement capabilities are fully utilized to procure sources. We are working on expanding the number of products, optimizing routes, and controlling costs, but there is a temporary limit to self-help efforts, and we are proceeding with price revisions after obtaining explanations and understanding of the circumstances to our customers. To provide you with a better understanding, we will continue to make further efforts to increase the value of our existence as a supplier. “
-What is the business environment and achievements of marine paints, and what is your future outlook?
“There are many positive factors for the business environment, such as the booming shipping industry and the expansion of orders for container ships. On the other hand, we are not only dependent on market conditions, but also responsible for sustainable supply of products and services that meet customer needs. In terms of production and sales performance, FY2010 is expected to exceed FY2009. On the other hand, in terms of profits , how far can the impact of the soaring current materials be absorbed internally, or how much can be reflected in product prices with the understanding of customers ? It is necessary to determine whether it can be realized. “
“In January last year, we launched the next-generation hydrolyzed ship bottom antifouling paint” FASTAR, “which uses the industry’s first nanotechnology as a paint resin. The thickness of the paint film can be reduced by about 30% compared to conventional products, and the painting process can be shortened. If the required film thickness is small, it will lead to labor load and cost reduction. Our strength is that there are such strategic products during the period when shipping is booming. FASTAR was adopted in 102 vessels last year. I feel that we are able to produce products that meet the needs of our customers and the times. We have already received inquiries for more than 200 vessels this year, and we would like to aim for adoption of more than 250 vessels, which is more than double of last year. “
-How will your products and services contribute to environmental regulations?
“We would like to contribute to environmental friendliness centred on ‘FASTAR’. If the amount of paint used is reduced by adopting FASTAR, VOC emissions can be reduced and air pollution can be prevented. This can contribute to the prevention of marine pollution. In addition, the function of reducing frictional resistance with seawater can improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. It is highly superior to our conventional products and products of other companies. I am proud of it.”
“In the longer term, we are also developing ship bottom paints that reduce the amount of antifouling agent elution to zero, and are the core and basic technologies for further improving fuel efficiency, reducing VOCs, and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The development of the group has been undertaken by an independent R&D team for some time. We will also consider the application and deployment of the technology within the group to ships, such as the technology being developed in the industrial field. In addition to the collaboration, we would like to develop to that extent with an eye on the future, such as research and development in industry and academia, and working on technological development in collaboration with different industries.”
Nippon Paint Marine Coatings has permission from Kaiji Press Co., Ltd. to reprint the article.
Nippon Paint Marine Coatings has translated the article into English and edited it based on the article by Kaiji Press Co.,Ltd.
This interview is published in Kaiji Press Online:- https://www.kaijipress.com
