Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (“NYK”), which is Japan’s largest shipping company, and Moonrakers Technologies, Inc. (“Moonrakers”), a spin-off venture from Toray Industries, Inc., have launched a collaboration to develop new uniforms that prioritize the comfort and well-being of employees working in frontline logistics operations.

Through this initiative, the two companies will conduct trials of Moonrakers’ advanced functional wear on NYK-operated vessels and at Keihin Dock Co., Ltd. (“Keihin Dock”), the NYK Group’s sole shipyard. Feedback will be gathered directly from the frontline, and the results will be incorporated into the design of new uniforms. The collaboration also envisions the development and commercial distribution of innerwear tailored to the working conditions of seafarers, with potential expansion to general consumers.

Traditionally, uniforms used aboard ships and in shipyards have not been specifically designed to meet the very distinct needs of maritime environments. NYK aimed to create uniforms that significantly enhance seafarers’ comfort by incorporating Moonrakers’ proprietary MOON-TECH® advanced-textile technology. Co-developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Toray, MOON-TECH® has demonstrated its capability to provide comfort in even the most extreme environments, including the International Space Station. This joint effort is expected to foster greater workplace well-being during extended voyages and in the demanding shipbuilding environment, and elevate the logistics industry’s public image.

This initiative is part of “KANDO – Innovation through Logistics," an NYK-led program geared toward redefining logistics and introducing new values to society. In addition to the initiative with Moonrakers, NYK is committed to expanding the scope of its activities through many collaborations, including ongoing joint research projects with Tama Art University.

1. Integrating On-site Needs with Research and Development
Living and working on ships and in shipyards can be particularly challenging due to extended periods in enclosed environments, high heat, and extreme humidity. There is substantial demand for highly functional, comfortable clothing in these settings. By combining NYK’s deep understanding of frontline logistics needs with Moonrakers’ expertise in “evolving apparel,” both companies aim to develop high-quality, high-performance uniforms that address real-world demands.

2. Elevating the Public Image of the Logistics Industry and Supporting Domestic Textile Manufacturing
Currently, the logistics sector is often perceived as “tough” and “labor-intensive,” making it difficult to attract young talent. Meanwhile, Japan’s domestic textile industry has also been in decline since its peak in the early 1990s. This collaboration brings together NYK’s efforts under the “KANDO – Innovation through Logistics" program to transform the logistics industry’s image with Moonrakers’ vision of “co-creating a future lifestyle that is comfortable, convenient, and inspired through cutting-edge textile technology.

・Trial of Innerwear for Seafarers
Moonrakers’ latest functional garments have been tested by seafarers aboard NYK Group–operated LNG carriers and car carriers, as well as by vessel managers from NYK’s ship-management companies. These trials aim to uncover genuine on-site needs and ensure product designs address the critical elements of fit and comfort demanded by seafarers. Both companies will continue to refine their proprietary technology based on direct feedback.

・Collaboration with Keihin Dock
At Keihin Dock, uniforms have been developed to meet the needs of shipyard workers. Enhancements include improved odor control and reduced stickiness, sweat stains, dirt accumulation, fabric weight, and material stiffness. Beyond functionality, the T-shirts are crafted to evoke a sense of pride in the work being done at shipyards. Digital textile printing (DTF printing) was utilized to feature a blueprint of Sakigake on the back of the shirts. Sakigake, the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled ship, was built at Keihin Dock. Feedback from Keihin Dock employees has been positive, with many citing the design as a source of professional pride.

・Matching Philosophies
Recognizing that the logistics supply chain — encompassing maritime transport, logistics operations, and shipbuilding — is ultimately supported by the efforts of individual employees, NYK’s “KANDO – Innovation through Logistics" program resonates deeply with Moonrakers’ ethos of “moving each individual emotionally in front of us.” Going forward, both parties will continue to redesign work environments that have traditionally been seen as demanding, aiming to make the logistics industry more attractive as a workplace.

* KANDO – Innovation through Logistics
Launched in 2019 by graduates of the NYK Digital Academy, this program aims to establish a new set of values and decision-making criteria in logistics. Through the creation and testing of innovative ideas, the project strives to challenge and modernize industry and societal norms.
For more details on these and other initiatives, please visit NYK’s owned media website, BVTL Magazine: https://www.nyk.com/english/stories/ .

NYK
Established in 1885, NYK is Japan’s largest shipping company, operating 886 vessels worldwide. On a global scale, the NYK Group employs approximately 35,000 people across over 600 locations (as of March 2025). Website: https://www.nyk.com/english/

Mooonrakers
A spin-off venture from the Toray Group that has developed MOON-TECH®, an advanced material featuring excessively high functionality derived from space technology. By working with end users, Moonrakers strives to cultivate a future lifestyle that is more comfortable, convenient, and beautiful. Website: https://moonrakers.jp/ 　

Keihin Dock
As the only shipyard in the NYK Group, Keihin Dock is navigated by a management philosophy of “So-Zo-Raku” (Create, Imagine, Enjoy). In August 2024, the company built the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled tugboat and is currently constructing Japan’s first electric-propulsion tugboat equipped with a domestically produced motor-drive system. Website: https://www.keihindock.co.jp/ (Japanese)