At present, physical distributions functions, including maritime transport, are incorporated into shipping companies' business models as part of their logistics and supply chain, and unified management of distribution both within and between companies is now possible. In order to meet the challenges of uneven development of distribution systems, such as in Asia, and to promote multi-layered development, much more international coordination will be needed in future.

Regular route operations to outlying islands are now in crisis due to the drastic increase in fuel prices. Weakening of policy support for routes means an immediate end for outlying islands. The overwhelming population density on the mainland results in effective control, but a policy for the "guarantee of national territory continuity" should be a precondition for ocean development.

The new city of Imabari came into being with the merger of 12 municipalities in the Great Heisei Consolidation of 2005. From ancient times, however, Imabari has prospered as a maritime hub, with its concentration of transport, shipbuilding, and marine equipment industry activities making it one of the world's unique "maritime cities." We have now begun the development of a new maritime city concept, and are undertaking a variety of initiatives, including expansion of shipbuilding facilities, to create a "Maritime Imabari for the Future." This is a report on one of our basic principles, "Next Generation Capacity Development."