NYK convened its third annual Dry Bulk Safety Conference in Athens, Greece, on January 21. The event brought together 150 participants representing 70 Greek shipowners and other companies active in the dry bulk sector. Originally established in 2010 in Japan for domestic shipowners and ship-management companies, the conference first expanded to Greece in 2024.

At the conference, we shared with Greek shipowners and related companies case studies of past accidents and incidents, along with countermeasures and measures for crew welfare. From NYK, we introduced “NAV9000 Plus,” an evolution of our proprietary safety standard “NAV9000”¹ for our group's operated vessels, shipowners, and ship management companies. Additionally, new fuel additives developed by our group company Nippon Oil & Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. were explained and demonstrated.

We also introduced MarCoPay,² a seafarer-tailored electronic money platform whose coverage has been expanded through a collaboration with Kadmos. Furthermore, NYK Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd., our group's ship management company, showcased IT-driven vessel management practices that leverage AI to optimize operations.

Demonstration by Nippon Oil & Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

Complementing these sessions, Class NK,³ a Japanese ship classification society, introduced the latest trends in cybersecurity regulations for ships, while Class ABS,⁴ a U.S. ship classification society, addressed the evolving GHG regulations and their impact on the industry. Additionally, WISTA Hellas,⁵ a member of WISTA International⁶ based in Greece, delivered a presentation on fostering a safety culture through leadership that respects diversity.

from left,
Managing Executive Officer Hiroaki Nishiyama
NYK Bulkship Atlantic Capt. Georgios Kyrkorianos
Chief Safety Officer Capt. Hisaya Higuchi

The panel discussion, which included participating shipowners, featured diverse industry experts who addressed deepening challenges in maritime training, competency, safety standards, and ergonomics. Particular focus was placed on Generation Z, digitalization, and risk management frameworks, with opinions exchanged regarding safe operations and seafarer education.

Moving forward, NYK remains dedicated to disseminating information on safe vessel operations and environmental initiatives. By actively facilitating forums for exchanging views with maritime stakeholders both domestically and internationally, we will contribute to the sustainable safe operation of the entire shipping industry.




¹ NAV9000
Our proprietary safety standard established in 1998. It systematizes international regulations, shipper requirements, and accident prevention measures accumulated by our company, aiming to fulfill the responsibility for safe operation and environmental protection as the operator, regardless of the relationship between shipowner and charterer.

² MarCoPay
An electronic currency platform primarily for foreign seafarers. It is a smartphone app that enables electronic payments, international remittances, and cash-out via QR codes.

³ Class NK
A classification society with over 125 years of history and a global presence at more than 130 locations. As a neutral third party, it establishes technical rules for ships and conducts inspections, granting classification status required for insuring commercial vessels. Today, over 9,000 vessels are registered under ClassNK, making it the world’s largest classification society by number of ships.
ClassNK is authorized by more than 100 flag States to carry out statutory surveys and audits on their behalf, based on international conventions such as the ISM Code and various regional regulations. Leveraging the expertise gained through these services, ClassNK also provides information, digital tools, and training programs to support effective ship management.
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/ja/

⁴ Class ABS
A global leader providing classification, certification, and verification services for marine and offshore assets since its founding in 1862.
https://ww2.eagle.org/en.html

⁵ WISTA Hellas
WISTA Hellas a member of WISTA International is a non-profit organization that was formed in Greece in 1993 with membership approximately 500 women in top management positions in shipping companies based in Greece.
WISTA Hellas - WISTA International

⁶ WISTA International
Established in 1974, WISTA Internation is an international organization that advocates for greater diversity and inclusion in the shipping, trade, and logistics sectors and supports women's advancement within the industry.
WISTA International