Innovation starts with people. At Nippon Paint Marine, our employees are instrumental in driving the progress behind every technical breakthrough we achieve to deliver the products our customers need. Whether it is in a research lab or through a customer partnership, our team reflect the power of collaboration and how dedication towards a core value helps push forward progress.
In this latest edition of our employee blog series, we feature Kohei Sakka, a key member of our Research and Development team. With experience spanning both automotive and marine coatings, Kohei has played an instrumental role in the development of next generation antifouling solutions, including our latest advancements in the AQUATERRAS range.
Kohei Sakka, Research and Development Department
My career at Nippon Paint Group began in the Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings, where I was involved in developing coatings for international markets. What initially drew me to the Nippon Paint Group was its strong global presence and commitment to innovation. When the opportunity arose to transfer to Nippon Paint Marine, I saw it as the ideal next step in my career and a chance to broaden my horizons through working on technologies that could have a lasting impact on the marine environment.
In my role within the Research and Development Department, I focus primarily on the development of antifouling paints for ship hulls. To achieve success in this role, I believe it’s vital to have both a clear sense of purpose and a strong grasp of the development process. Setting goals for each stage of a project and ensuring that all team members understand their importance help us move forward cohesively. At the same time, having a firm understanding of each step in the process allows us to work more efficiently and eliminate unnecessary delays. This mindset ensures that our team can continuously improve and deliver better results over time.
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve recently worked on was the development of a biocide-free paint within our AQUATERRAS series. It has come with challenges, especially as it relies on a fundamentally different approach compared to conventional products. However, the sense of accomplishment we feel when those challenges are overcome and the product performs well in application is unmatched.
While it’s important to create high-performing products, it is even more critical that our coatings meet the practical needs of shipowners and operators. Ultimately, customer satisfaction is central to the work we do. A technology is only successful if it is adopted and that happens when it aligns with customers’ expectations. We pay close attention to customer feedback, and that insight is continuously reflected in our performance targets and specifications.
What I appreciate most about working at Nippon Paint Marine is the opportunity to learn and grow through collaboration. I’ve had the chance to work alongside colleagues from research institutes, universities and international teams, all of whom bring diverse ideas and experiences. The open-minded culture at Nippon Paint Marine gives young researchers like me the freedom to take on meaningful responsibilities and develop as professionals. It is a rewarding environment where innovation thrives and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the maritime industry.
