Nagasaki and Aberdeen: an unlikely connection
Scott McLay, Sales Director
"Last week I travelled to the city of Nagasaki, Japan on a trade visit to learn about the country’s renewable energy industry and meet with local businesses in this sector. Japan is very much an untapped market for Tritech and there are great opportunities for us in the region, especially now I appreciate the unlikely connection between Aberdeen and Nagasaki.
Over the week, I learnt more about the tight bond there is between both countries than I did in all those years at school. For instance, did you know a man called Thomas Glover is still celebrated in Nagasaki for introducing the ship building industry to the city? Glover, from Fraserburgh, was instrumental for the import of Scottish Cantilever cranes more than 100 years ago, something which is still in operation today. Thomas was even the inspiration for the popular opera Madame Butterfly – who knew?
Apart from a history lesson, our visit provided insight into how Nagasaki is powering forward with a renewable energy strategy. Following initial introductions from Scottish Development International (SDI) we had a number of extremely productive meetings that were organised by our Japanese hosts, as well as meeting with the Nagasaki Prefectural government Mayor and other local government officials. We had the most insightful discussions about the benefits for both Scotland and Japan in maintaining the established close ties that exist between our countries.
Nagasaki has a unique marine energy resource and the experience Scotland has, particularly in the tidal turbine sector, is seen as crucial to ensure Japan benefits fully from this rich local energy source. The renewable market is key to Japan’s desire for greater independence and if any nation can industrialise a market, it’s Japan.
It wasn’t all business during the week of course, our wonderful Japanese hosts could not have taken better care of us, and a traditional evening of dinner and karaoke was definitely the highlight of my visit!
Trips like this are essential to companies like Tritech, they allow us the opportunity to meet and converse with the right people in these countries. Without this visit, we would never have had the opportunity to highlight Tritech’s areas of expertise and how we can support the country’s renewable sector.
Who knows, maybe if our country’s relationship strengthens in the coming years we may even see a direct connection from Aberdeen to Nagasaki – the local karaoke bars won’t know what’s hit them!"
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