Between tradition and the future

Interview with Jun Nakazawa, Chief Executive Officer at JRC | Alphatron Marine.

On international collaboration, entrepreneurship, and the power of different perspectives

When Jun Nakazawa joined JRC in 1990, he had no idea that his career would eventually bring him to Europe, nor that decades later he would play a role in one of the most significant chapters in Alphatron Marine's history.

What began as a career in maritime technology evolved into an international journey spanning continents, cultures, and markets. Those experiences shaped his views on leadership, collaboration, and innovation, and they continue to influence how he looks toward the future.

A career that opened up the world

The maritime industry appealed to Jun from the very beginning because of its international nature, although working abroad was not initially part of his plan.

"Shipping connects countries, cultures, and people. I always found that fascinating."

His early years at JRC were dedicated to learning. The world looked very different then than it does today. Communication relied on fax machines and telex systems. International business relationships were less common, and for many Japanese professionals, English was not yet part of everyday working life. "When I started, I found international communication quite challenging. But challenges are often the fastest way to learn."

A major turning point came when he became responsible for South America. "That was an incredible opportunity. It allowed me to learn about different markets and spend time with many customers."

What stayed with him most, however, was not the sales figures or the projects. It was the people he met along the way. "You discover that business ultimately revolves around trust everywhere in the world. Products matter. Technology matters. But relationships are equally important, if not the most important."

Learning from different cultures

Jun’s years in South America became an important foundation for the rest of his career, not only professionally but personally as well. "When you work in different countries, you learn that there is never just one way to look at a problem."

That lesson stayed with him when he later became responsible for Europe and eventually relocated to the Netherlands.

"Europe is incredibly diverse. Every market has its own characteristics, expectations, and way of doing business." Yet despite those differences, he noticed a common theme. "Customers everywhere want partners who understand their challenges and who are willing to think along with them."

That insight would later play an important role in strengthening the relationship between JRC and Alphatron Marine.

The foundation of a strong partnership

When Jun first worked in the Netherlands, he already knew Alphatron Marine as one of JRC’s important partners in Europe. Over time, mutual respect between the two organizations continued to grow. "What always stood out to me was the entrepreneurial spirit."

According to Jun, Alphatron Marine distinguished itself not only through technical expertise, but through its approach to customer relationships. "There was a strong emphasis on service, relationships, and understanding of the customer."

As conversations about the future became more frequent, both organizations discovered they had far more in common than they initially realized. "We shared the same values: innovation, quality, long-term thinking, and customer focus." Those shared values ultimately laid the groundwork for a deeper partnership.

After spending another two years in the United States on behalf of JRC, Jun eventually returned to the Netherlands and assumed the role of CEO of JRC | Alphatron Marine.

Dutch innovation and Japanese quality

When Jun describes the collaboration between JRC and Alphatron Marine, he consistently returns to the same phrase: "The combination of Dutch innovation and Japanese quality."

To him, this is far more than a slogan. "Dutch organizations tend to be pragmatic, flexible, and entrepreneurial. Japanese organizations place a strong emphasis on quality, continuity, and long-term development."

In his view, these characteristics complement one another. "The best results often emerge when different perspectives come together."

He believes this combination has played an important role in Alphatron Marine's continued success. "The organization has retained its entrepreneurial character while also benefiting from the strength of an international network."

According to Jun, that balance is one of the key reasons Alphatron Marine has continued to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

More than an anniversary

For Jun, Alphatron Marine's 35th anniversary represents far more than a corporate milestone. "An anniversary is not simply about how long a company has existed." Instead, he sees it as a moment to recognize the people behind the success. "It is a celebration of the thousands of people who have been part of this journey."

That includes founders, employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and everyone else who has contributed to the company's development over the years. "No one builds a company of this scale alone. Success is created when many people work together toward a common goal over a long period of time."

In his view, that human element remains one of Alphatron Marine's greatest strengths. "Technology changes continuously, but relationships remain essential."

Building on a strong foundation

Looking back on the past 35 years, Jun sees an organization that has consistently adapted to change. "The maritime industry has undergone tremendous transformation. Yet Alphatron Marine has managed to remain relevant throughout that journey."

According to him, that success stems from a willingness to look ahead. "Successful companies understand that change is not a threat. It's an opportunity."

At the same time, he believes innovation can only be sustained when it is built upon a strong foundation. "You must continue investing in people, knowledge, and customer relationships." Those, he says, are the elements that enable long-term success.

A new era for the maritime industry

Like many industries, maritime is entering a period of profound transformation. Digitalization, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability are changing the way vessels are designed, managed, and operated.

"We are witnessing developments that would have seemed almost unimaginable only a few years ago." Yet Jun is careful not to place technology on a pedestal. "Technology only creates value when it helps people perform their work more effectively."

As a result, he sees the industry's focus shifting increasingly from equipment toward operational performance. "Our future will not be defined solely by the systems we install."

The real question, he says, is how technology enables customers to operate more safely, efficiently, sustainably, and intelligently. "That is where true value is created."

This is precisely where he sees a major opportunity for Alphatron Marine. "We have technical expertise, but we also understand how our customers operate. That combination is becoming increasingly important."

The power of people

Despite all the technological developments transforming the maritime industry, Jun believes one thing remains unchanged. "People ultimately make the difference."

That principle applies equally to employees, customers, partners, and suppliers. "Even the best technology has limited value without people who know how to use it effectively." For that reason, investing in people remains one of his highest priorities.

"Companies grow because people grow." In his view, that statement is every bit as true today as it was 35 years ago.

A message for the next generation

As the conversation turns toward the future, Jun directs his attention toward the next generation. "Don't be afraid to challenge existing ways of working." According to him, innovation often begins with curiosity. "Many breakthroughs start with a simple question: Why not?" At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of collaboration.

"Build trust. Work together across borders, disciplines, and cultures. Help one another succeed." It is a lesson that has been reinforced repeatedly throughout his international career. "No one achieves great things alone."

The next 35 years

Although tomorrow's technology will undoubtedly look very different from today's, Jun believes the essence of successful entrepreneurship will remain unchanged. "Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep collaborating."

Over the past 35 years, Alphatron Marine has demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing circumstances without losing sight of its identity. That gives him confidence in the future.

"The challenges of the next 35 years will be different from those of the past 35 years."

Yet the qualities that are at the base of long-term success – entrepreneurship, collaboration, innovation, and trust – will remain just as important. "As long as we continue to nurture those values, I am convinced that Alphatron Marine's best years are still ahead of us."