Post-quake Update on Support for Victims of the 2011 Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake
-Cruise Ship Fuji Maru Calls at Ports in Iwate Prefecture-

April 11, 2011

TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced that its ocean cruise ship Fuji Maru has started calling at three ports - Ofunato, Kamaishi, and Miyako - to provide free day-use services such as meals, baths, and rest for victims of the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake. This is part of MOL's activities to support relief efforts in disaster-stricken areas.

The Fuji Maru arrived at Ofunato port, its first destination, at 7:30 a.m., Monday, April 11 and began welcoming quake victims aboard at noon

Vessel in use: Fuji Maru

Schedule

Monday, April 11	07:30	Arrive Ofunato (Nonoda area wharf)
Tuesday,April 12	17:30	Depart Ofunato
Wednesday,April 13	08:00	Arrive Kamaishi (Suga area pier)
Thursday,April 14	18:00	Depart Kamaishi
Saturday,April 16	08:00	Arrive Miyako (Fujiwara area pier)
Sunday,April 17	18:00	Depart Miyako
Monday,April 18	17:00	Arrive Tokyo

People using the service
A total of 6,000 people will use the Fuji Maru's services at three ports-about 2,000 people at each port (1,000 per day).
To use the service, pre-application at public offices in the cities and towns (Ofunato-shi, Rikuzen-takata-shi, Yamada-cho, Miyako-shi) is required.

Details of services for quake victims
(1) Provide meals featuring fresh vegetables
(2) Provide baths in the large communal bathing facility
(3) Use of guest rooms (showers are available)
(4) Use of onboard public telephones, mobile phone battery chargers (with cooperation of NTT DOCOMO)
(5) Onboard cinema

MOL is providing these services in cooperation with Iwate Prefecture, local governments, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The Fuji Maru and the MOL Group cruise ship Nippon Maru have deep historical ties with the ports of Ofunato, Kamaishi, and Miyako. Both ships have called at those ports 16 times in the past decade, and have always received a warm welcome from local citizens. By providing day-use services to allow quake victims for some small respite from their recent struggles, MOL seeks to return, in some small way, the courtesy and support these communities have shown in the past. MOL is bearing the entire cost of providing these services.

The phrase "Odense, Fuji Maru" on the banner on the side of the vessel means "Come and see, Fuji Maru" in the local dialect.

(Reference)
Main specifications of the ocean cruise ship Fuji Maru
Shipowner: Nippon Charter Cruise (MOL Group 50%, Shinnihonkai Ferry Group 50%)
Gross tonnage: 23,235 dwt
Length: 167m
Breadth: 24m
Draft: 6.6m
No. of passengers (max.): 600