MOL’s Training Vessel Spirit of MOL
Participates in Philippine Disaster Relief Effort

July 15, 2008

TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced that the training vessel Spirit of MOL transported aid supplies for the Philippine government to assist with relief efforts in Iloilo state, which was severely damaged by Typhoon No. 6 in late June. Trainees from the ship also helped with cleanup efforts.

At the request of the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communication, trainees on the Spirit of MOL and government staff loaded about 37 tons of relief supplies, including tanks for drinking water, blankets, and buckets etc. onto the vessel. The ship left Manila on July 8, and arrived at the port of Iloilo the following day.

Upon arrival, 180 seafarers and trainees from the Spirit of MOL unloaded the supplies and then pitched in to help with cleanup activities at a church and an elementary school that flooded during the storm. They stayed for about a week to assist with various relief efforts.

Iloilo City mayor Jerry P.Trenas expressed his thanks for MOL's assistance. The company hopes that citizens affected by the typhoon 'Frank', can resume their normal lives as soon as possible.

[Reference - Spirit of MOL -]

Length: 106m / Width: 16m / Draft: 5.80m / Gross tonnage: 4,878 tons
It is an MOL-owned training vessel was delivered in July 2007. It provides practical onboard training for cadet seafarers, helping develop a highly skilled seagoing work force and promoting safe vessel operation. The vessel has a training bridge on floor above the navigation bridge. This feature is unique to the training vessel. MOL also has about 10 full-time instructors, who will provide education and practical training to 180 trainees per session.

The cadets are the same generation but different nationalities (Filipino, Indian, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian, etc.), and are preparing for careers with MOL.

They gain maritime skills as well as cross-cultural experience living and working aboard the ship with cadets from different nations and backgrounds. Cadets train aboard the vessel on 4- to 6-month voyages between the Philippines and India.