In its 2018 New Year Message, MOL’s President & CEO Junichiro Ikeda unveiled the group’s visions for the future and especially discussed how the increasing disruptive innovation reform the shipping industry and the so-called sharing sector.
Firstly, he noted, the rapid shift to electric vehicles (EVs) was a major industrial trend that made big headlines last year. Around the world, EV buses and trucks are rapidly becoming part of daily life. Dominant players, such as Amazon, have also brought about a transformation in the way goods are distributed in society and have had a tremendous impact on the conventional retail sector.
“These innovations have provided us with benefits in terms of convenience and cost effectiveness, in conjunction with steadily transforming the workings of society. The shipping industry is not shielded from these trends. No one should be surprised to see disruptive innovation reshape the shipping industry at any time. Know that once we can clearly see the change, it is already too late. The frontrunners who instigated the change have already set their sights farther ahead.”
In addition, Mr. Ikeda highlighted that 2017 saw issues surrounding the falsification of quality data, which had a huge impact on the industry.
“No matter how intense the upheaval we may face, we will never change our policy of ensuring that our conduct is in compliance with laws and regulations at all times,” he said.
What is more, MOL CEO expressed the group’s commitment to safe operations, mostly on the aftermath of a serious marine incident involving the loss of life occurred on an MOL -operated vessel in 2017.
“To prevent a recurrence, we should return to basics in analyzing the incident and implement all necessary safety measures by incorporating resources such as the latest technologies based on ICT. I want to drive home the message once again that safe operation forms the foundation of the MOL Group and starting point for our Vision for the MOL Group Ten Years from Now,” he concluded.
