Sankyo envisions boosting efficiency at Asia's ports

Seafood travels from waters across the globe to a household's dining table as fresh as when it was caught, thanks to a streamlined, complex and constantly evolving distribution system. One key is efficiency; another is continuous logistics innovation, according to Yokohama-headquartered global intermodal distribution service provider Sankyo Corporation.

These strengths, combined with an exceptional track record transporting food products, vehicles, machinery, equipment, lumber, housing materials and general cargo, have made Sankyo among the most trusted distribution partners in the United States, Europe, China and Southeast Asia.

Leveraging a global network as part of Fujiki Corporation, whose legacy is rooted in stevedore and longshore services since 1923, family-owned Sankyo also offers import/export and customs clearance, harbour transport and domestic distribution services.

The mainland is one of Sankyo's fastest-growing markets, where it has joint ventures with Port of Dalian Container Development Company, Hong Kong-listed Singamas International Container and heavy-lift cargo specialist NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers. Among Sankyo's other remarkable relationships in the region is with the Port of Dalian Authority, whose executives have been training with Sankyo since 1983.

"We have since trained 32 delegations; now we are also sending trainees to Dalian to learn about China's ever-growing logistics operations," says Kozo Fujiki, president and executive director. "It has become an invaluable, mutually beneficial partnership."

Sankyo aims to replicate such a relationship with more equity partners on the mainland and the rest of Southeast Asia. It has formed joint ventures Sankyo Global Logistics (Singapore) and BTL Sankyo Global Company in Thailand, bringing its customer base and international experience. It eyes Malaysia as its next destination.