Logistics giants target growing commercial space sector

The Singapore event brought together companies, investors and public bodies involved in the Asia-Pacific space industry
The Singapore event brought together companies, investors and public bodies involved in the Asia-Pacific space industry

Global logistics group Yusen Logistics and shipping giant NYK have set out their ambitions in the fast-growing space sector after jointly exhibiting at a major industry event in Singapore.

The two companies took part in the Global Space Technology Convention and Exhibition, where they showcased how maritime expertise and international logistics could support the development of space infrastructure and supply chains.

Under the theme “From Ocean to Orbit”, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha highlighted its work around space infrastructure, including offshore launch and rocket recovery vessels.

The company also presented opportunities for the maritime sector to make greater use of satellite technologies.

Yusen Logistics used the event to highlight its experience in international logistics and its ability to transport space-related equipment around the world.

This includes satellites, rocket components and other specialist cargo linked to the space industry.

The company also presented supply chain solutions designed to meet the operational needs of space businesses.

On the first day of the exhibition, NYK took part in a panel discussion titled “Fixing the Broken Supply Chain of Space: How Just-in-Time Launch Becomes Possible”.

The session featured Daisuke Suga, Head of the Advanced Business and Space Business Development Team within NYK’s Innovation Promotion Group.

Experts from different parts of the space ecosystem also joined the discussion, including representatives from satellite components, communications and operations, and orbital deployment.

The panel explored the challenges facing the wider space supply chain and discussed possible ways to address them.

During the exhibition, representatives from NYK and Yusen Logistics also met Jeremy Chan, Executive Chairman of the Singapore Space and Technology Think Tank.

The organisation, also known as SST Think Tank, organised the event.

The meeting gave both companies an opportunity to discuss the developing space ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthen ties with an organisation involved in supporting industry growth.

A spokesperson for Yusen Logistics said: “GSTCE is an international conference and exhibition focused on space technology and the commercialisation of space business.

“It brings together government agencies, space-related companies, startups, investors and other stakeholders, serving as a platform for information exchange and business matching aimed at advancing the space industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Yusen Logistics was proud to exhibit jointly with NYK.”

The company said the event underlined the increasing importance of logistics, maritime services and supply chain expertise as the commercial space sector continues to expand.