Selling marine coatings around the world means keeping pace with a constantly shifting web of rules and regulations in markets around the globe. From international regulations for chemical substances, such as REACH and the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) to local certification requirements, keeping on top of requirements, and maintaining the certifications they require, allows Nippon Paint Marine’s products to be sold, trusted and applied on vessels around the world.
In this edition of our employee blog series, we introduce Yuya Murata of the Technology Division / Regulatory Compliance & Certification Department at Nippon Paint Marine. Yuya is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the certifications and compliance measures that keep our marine coatings ready for global markets.
Yuya Murata, Regulatory Compliance Department, Technical Headquarters, Nippon Paint Marine
I am responsible for obtaining and maintaining the certifications required to sell marine coatings around the world, as well as for handling compliance measures related to REACH and other chemical substance regulations, such as BPR. I work closely with certification authorities and marine-related organisations, coordinating with members in Japan and overseas to carry out these responsibilities.
I have continued to develop my experience in certification and regulatory compliance. Most recently, I have been focusing on developing skills for managing teams involved in certification and approvals, such as how to grow organisations and create effective structures.
Working on a global stage
I joined Nippon Paint Marine because I wanted to be involved in a business that supports the global marine industry. Marine coatings are not something most people encounter in everyday life, but they are an essential product that supports logistics infrastructure. I was strongly drawn to work on a stage that connects the world.
Opportunities to participate in domestic and international marine coatings industry associations and international conferences have left a strong impression on me. Being exposed to perspectives from outside our company has allowed me to learn how global market trends and competitor companies think strategically. Discussions with regulatory authorities and competitors in Europe, in particular, gave me wider perspectives that might not be gained working solely in Japan. I have benefited from understanding a broader international viewpoint.
Finding purpose behind the scenes
Certification and regulatory compliance work is most valuable when no problems occur, which makes it a job that does not stand out easily. However, our activities support product sales and business operations, providing key assurance and confidence to our customers of product safety. I feel a great sense of accomplishment when we successfully complete complex regulatory compliance or certification renewal projects, or when we prevent risks through improvements to our processes. As a manager, I also feel great satisfaction when I see team members discover and solve their own challenges and grow as a result.
I value the idea of “relying on systems, not on people.” Of course, the best situation is one where people perform well, but I believe it is important to build a framework that allows everyone to work steadily, regardless of individual skill differences. Because certification and regulatory compliance work involves many stakeholders, I always try to proceed while understanding what the other party is struggling with and what they need, and I try never to forget to show appreciation to the people I work with.
What’s next?
Going forward, I want to evolve certification and regulatory compliance from a simple administrative function into something that enhances business competitiveness at Nippon Paint Marine. At present, we are required to reliably manage a large number of certifications and regulatory requirements. In the future, I would like to build a mechanism that uses digital technology and generative AI to turn our knowledge and know-how into an asset for the whole organisation.
I also want to create a team where each individual can grow and play an active role independently, while working together as one cohesive unit to deliver results: that is one of my major goals as a manager. In the long term, while supporting Nippon Paint Marine’s global business expansion, I would like to contribute as a specialist who can also help drive organisational transformation.
