Kumiai Navigation (Managing Director: Tomomaru Kuroyanagi) was established in Singapore in 1995 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kumiai Senpaku (Head Office: Tokyo). On 20 April 2025, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary. As a pioneer among Japanese shipowners expanding into Singapore, it has steadily built a strong foothold in the international charter market.
The company currently operates a fleet of 23 vessels, including 13 LPG carriers and 10 dry bulk carriers, counting those on order. Across the group, its portfolio extends to asphalt carriers, chemical tankers, and ferries, with around 70% of its chartering operations linked to overseas operators. While maintaining close ties with the domestic market, Kumiai Navigation has pursued business on both global and local fronts.
To mark this 30th anniversary milestone, Kumiai Navigation has promoted Yuji Fujita, in charge of the Ship Management Division, and Yuto Tanaka, responsible for Business Operations, to the position of General Manager. Notably, Tanaka joined the company in Singapore straight out of a Japanese university, becoming a trailblazer among young Japanese who launched their careers overseas. We interviewed both managers in Singapore. (Interviewer: Hiroshi Yamamoto)
Yuji Fujita, General Manager
Building the Future Through Safe, Environmentally Conscious Shipbuilding and Training the Next Generation
In this interview with MBJ, Fujita remarked, “I want to live up to my title and contribute to the company’s development,” underscoring his commitment to building ships to specifications that satisfy clients and to delivering high-quality service. He identified the introduction of new technologies that enhance safe operations and environmental performance, the promotion of digitalisation, and the nurturing of younger talent as pillars of his future work.
Leveraging Broad Experience for Growth Strategy
Fujita joined Kumiai Senpaku in 2005, assigned to the Ship Management Department. In 2012, he gained hands-on experience in ship management at another firm before transferring to Kumiai Navigation the following year. He has since been involved in developing specifications for newbuilds, introducing new technologies, acting as a point of contact for existing vessel clients, and handling incident response. “I have built relationships with a wide range of business partners not only in Japan and Singapore but worldwide. I intend to use these experiences—and the lessons learned—to drive the company’s growth,” he said.
The company’s fleet is centred on bulk carriers and VLGCs, both expected to see continued demand. “We will consider other vessel types if opportunities arise, and we cannot ignore the technology and flexibility offered by Korean and Chinese yards,” he noted, adding that the company will review building options in parallel with Japanese yards. In alternative fuels, the company was quick to adopt LPG propulsion and is now exploring the potential of hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. “We will monitor vessel types, sizes, and the supply chain, and we will also consider the use of biofuels for existing vessels in consultation with our customers,” he said.
On decarbonisation, Fujita stressed the continuous evaluation of new fuels, energy-saving devices, and voyage optimisation technologies. The company has already introduced LPG fuel and air lubrication systems on VLGCs. “We will do our utmost to provide our customers with environmentally friendly vessels,” he affirmed.
At the same time, labour shortages remain a serious issue. Rising living costs in Singapore and tighter visa requirements are making recruitment increasingly difficult. “Last year we hired a newly graduated Japanese marine engineer and provided hands-on experience aboard our vessels. In future, we will also consider establishing additional offices and hiring talent from nationalities with abundant seafaring experience,” he explained.
Fujita concluded, “I will continue to provide high-quality services to our customers and contribute to the company’s development.” With a focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and human resource development, he is determined to lead the company’s growth.
Yuto Tanaka, General Manager
Sustained Growth Through a Diverse Fleet and Overseas Expansion – Accelerating Investment in New Fuels and Environmental Measures
Yuto Tanaka, who oversees Business Operations, said, “I feel a strong sense of responsibility in this new role. I want to draw on my experience dedicated to shipowning to promote flexible and sustainable operations.” In his interview with MBJ, Tanaka emphasised his determination to create an environment in which the entire team can grow together toward shared goals.
Developing the Business with a Focus on Understanding Customers
Tanaka has steadily advanced a broad range of tasks, from ordering newbuildings to chartering, operations, and vessel sales. In recent years, he has also been involved in finance, establishing a structure that allows him to contribute to corporate growth from a comprehensive management perspective. “The most important thing is to accurately grasp our customers’ needs and build trust. We will continue refining our proposals and services to meet evolving needs, aiming to establish long-term relationships of trust,” he stressed.
Kumiai Navigation operates a total of 23 vessels, including 13 LPG carriers and 10 dry bulk carriers, counting those on order. Across the group, the company handles a diverse range of vessel types, such as asphalt carriers, chemical tankers, and ferries. Around 70% of chartering is for overseas clients, while maintaining a significant share in the domestic market. “We have built very strong relationships both internationally and domestically,” Tanaka noted.
In the field of new fuels, the company has focused investment on LPG dual-fuel (DF) VLGCs, but is also exploring opportunities to invest in a variety of new fuel vessels beyond its existing types. He sees particular promise in the development of LCO₂ carriers, stating, “Strengthening our environmental response will lead to enhanced market competitiveness,” and indicating plans to deepen collaboration with shipyards.
On decarbonisation, Tanaka said the company will continue to own state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient vessels while replacing older ships. It is also actively considering the installation of multiple energy-saving devices (ESDs). “Ideally, newbuilds should be dual-fuel vessels,” he commented. Orders for LPG DF VLGCs have been ongoing for five years, and around 30% of the fleet (seven vessels) is now DF-equipped. For VLGCs alone, approximately 60% are DF vessels.
For dry bulk carriers, fuel choice remains difficult. For the time being, the company will order new fuel-efficient, heavy-oil-fired vessels and, once demand becomes clear, proceed with DF conversions or replacements. “Given that it currently takes three to four years from order to delivery, we need to advance fleet renewal in a planned manner,” he pointed out.
Securing Talent and Creating a Supportive Workplace
In terms of human resources, the company’s small size means it does not face major challenges, but being based in Singapore makes it increasingly difficult to hire Japanese staff due to stricter visa requirements. On the other hand, with 70% of its charters overseas, the company is leveraging this strength by actively hiring Singaporean staff. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have promoted work style reforms, focusing on employee development and creating a supportive working environment,” he said.
Finally, Tanaka stated, “Our future cannot be realised without the cooperation of not only our customers but also our employees, their families, and other stakeholders. By listening to everyone’s requests and plans, we will continue to pursue safety, environmental initiatives, and growth.” The young man who once crossed the sea to start his career has now grown into a General Manager, committed to building a company that earns trust and empathy.
Kumisen