Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (“NYK”) and Lighthouse Inc. (“Lighthouse”) have jointly developed N-DOX, an AI-powered document management platform designed to significantly improve efficiency in complex document-related tasks. N-DOX aims to transform workflows such as contract review and word difference extraction during contract renewals, thereby driving digital transformation (DX) across the shipping industry.

NYK’s DX Promotion Group has received numerous inquiries from internal departments seeking solutions to digitize document creation and review processes. In response, the group initiated the concept of N-DOX.

Meanwhile, in NYK’s Dry Bulk Division, reviewing charter party agreements and extracting updates during contract renewals and modifications required substantial time and effort. To address these challenges, the division began collaborating with an external vendor to develop tools with contract-checking capabilities.

Building on these efforts, NYK’s DX Promotion Group partnered with Lighthouse to integrate these capabilities into N-DOX, creating a comprehensive AI-driven platform. Within approximately three months, the team developed a prototype, conducted model-case testing under real operational conditions, and refined the system before launching full-scale operations.

N-DOX serves as a centralized platform for document management, encompassing functions such as difference analysis, rule-based checks, and impact assessments. Designed with scalability in mind, N-DOX is built on three core pillars:

• Agent-Oriented Architecture (① in the image below): Future AI agents will execute complex, cross-functional tasks.
• Multi-Model Compatibility (②): The platform selects and switches between optimal AI models and external services based on task requirements.
• Incremental Feature Expansion (③): Functions can be added progressively to meet evolving on-site needs.

• Enhanced Accuracy and Risk Mitigation

N-DOX supports the employees by providing a double-check mechanism to prevent human oversight. In the Dry Bulk Division, where rapid decision-making is often required due to market fluctuations and tight deadlines, N-DOX acts as a powerful safeguard against contractual risks.

• Advanced Workflow Transformation

By delegating initial checks to AI, employees can focus on high-value tasks such as final decision-making and negotiations. This collaboration between humans and AI goes beyond simple efficiency gains, driving fundamental process innovation and accelerating DX.

NYK plans to expand N-DOX’s capabilities to include difference extraction, impact analysis during updates, and terminology consistency checks. Starting in 2026, deployment will extend beyond the Dry Bulk Division to back-office functions such as public relations and finance, promoting company-wide AI utilization.

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK)
Head Office: 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President: Takaya Soga
Business: Liner shipping, logistics, automotive transport, dry bulk transport, energy transport, and other businesses (real estate, passenger ships, etc.)
Website: ​https://www.nyk.com/english/

Lighthouse Inc.
Head Office: H1O Shiba Park 902, 1-8-20 Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Ryota Hariu
Business: Co-creation and consulting for new businesses utilizing AI
Website: ​https://www.lt-house.com ​ (Japanese)

NYK, Corporate Communication Group, Media Relations Team
E-mail: ​NYKJP.ML.MEDIA@nykgroup.com ​

Lighthouse, Public Relations
E-mail: ​info@lt-house.com