NYK Line president Hitoshi Nagasawa has used his New Year speech to warn staff of more uncertainty as a result of rapid changes to society.
The Japanese executive said that now Covid-19 vaccines are beginning to be deployed, the world is expected to gradually enter the post-pandemic phase.
But the main question is to what extent the new work styles, as well as the new logistics models, will remain in place, he added.
"The Biden administration's policies in the US, structural changes in trade after the UK leaves the EU, and the shift to lifestyles suited to the new normal will likely trigger rapid changes within society," Nagasawa said.
"It is not easy to foresee the future, but I ask you to remain attentive to the current situation and agilely respond to the changes that occur in society."
Last month, the shipping giant said it was increasing its earnings forecast for its third quarter to reflect improved logistics profits.
Profit rising
But the company expects to be hit by extraordinary costs incurred in reforming its dry bulk business.
NYK's logistics business, which includes its liner subsidiary Ocean Network Express and its air transport arm, had exceeded expectations since its November forecast.
The group now expects to report a recurring profit in excess of ¥60bn ($580m) and a cumulative result of more than ¥100bn.
Nagasawa sees 2021 as the year in which environmental issues will receive even more attention.
He said Japan has established a ¥2trn fund to support research and development in this sphere.
"As I have said many times, companies that fail to respond to society’s demands in relation to ESG [environmental, social and governance] will, without a doubt, not survive more than several years," he added.
Transforming awareness
"However, it is not enough just to talk about the importance of ESG. To firmly establish ESG as part of our corporate culture, it will be necessary for all employees throughout the group to fully understand and to transform awareness so that ESG is used as a measure for judging all actions."
NYK is planning an announcement to explain its "ESG story" next month, Nagasawa said.
"As a businessperson, there is nothing greater than to be needed by society," he concluded.
"You, too, have likely felt this. Let’s take pride in being part of an NYK Group that contributes to society, and work together to propel the group forward in an even better direction."
