July 22, 2009
TOKYO Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced that the company held a joint public-private sector anti-piracy training session with the LNG carrier LNG Vesta while the ship was under way southeast of Okidaitojima (Island), Okinawa, on July 21.
Based on a scenario that pirates were pursuing and closing in on the MOL-operated LNG Vesta, the training focused on emergency telecommunication. The realistic drill included some tension-filled moments as the Japan Coast Guard’s patrol ship Mizuho rushed to the scene, and MOL confirmed the effectiveness of its risk management system and ensured that everyone concerned could communicate clearly and swiftly.
Japan Coast Guard (JCG) International Criminal Investigation Division, Operations Centre, and patrol ship Mizuho
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Maritime Bureau, Ocean Shipping Section
Japan Shipowners' Association
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., LNG carrier LNG Vesta (operated by MOL)
MO LNG Transport Co., Ltd. (MOL Group ship management company)
*The Safety Operation Supporting Center was formed in MOL's Tokyo Head Office on February 1, 2007, to prevent and effectively respond to various events and factors that may threaten the safety of vessel operation, such as the threat of global terrorism and abnormal weather phenomena, which have occurred more frequently in recent years. The center supports safe operation by transmitting information related to voyage safety to target vessels and other concerned parties, with a 24/7, 365 monitoring structure.
Public-Private Anti-piracy Drill held on July 21
(back) MOL-operated LNG carrier "LNG Vesta"
(front) Japan Coast Guard's patrol ship "Mizuho"