WSS Japan seeing growth in port calls spurred by imports

“The overcapacity situation of the last few years is gradually declining and we are seeing steadily increasing cargo demand,” said Yoshihiro Iizuka, WSS general manager for Japan, ahead of Sea Japan 2014 this week.

The increased demand comes despite a slow recovery in the Japanese economy. On the supply side Iizuka noted: “New ship orders are set to pick up as demand for energy efficient tonnage, compliant with the latest environmental regulations increases, with a short term peak in construction levels expected in 2016.”

In terms of its Japanese business WSS sees cost and safety as its customers key concerns. “WSS Japan, in collaboration with our global network, is focussing on ensuring that customers have access to our full range of safety solutions to ensure regulatory compliance,” he said.

“By working closely together with clients, we believe that we can help to reduce complexity and the risks involved with port to port operations in the most cost efficient and effective manner.”

WSS covers 180 ports in Japan.