TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) yesterday launched its first training vessel, the SPIRIT OF MOL, at the Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Company in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture. Executives on hand for the launching and christening ceremonies included MOL Deputy President and Director-General of Safety Operations Headquarters Hidehiro Harada. The company will start practical training aboard the vessel in mid-July. Launching of the SPIRIT OF MOL is key to the company's efforts to reinforce the safety of vessel operations.

Features of SPIRIT OF MOL and future plans
The SPIRIT OF MOL has a training bridge on floor above the actual 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.


MOL cadets of the same level of training from different nations (the Philippines, India, Russia, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, etc.), will train onboard together. The company believes that intensive training in a cross-cultural atmosphere will not only help those master maritime skills, but also develop a stronger sense of pride and teamwork.


The training vessel will sail out to Manila, where one of the company's main base of human resource in a few days. Filipino and Russian cadets will train onboard as the first cadets of this new training program. Their training voyage, from the Philippines to India, begins on July 16. The first onboard training will last four to six months, and is mainly for the cadets who do not have practical vessel experience.



Objectives for owning a training vessel
A global shortage of skilled mariners is forecasted for the coming years, and at the same time, the company is implementing a major fleet expansion. To address this issue, and ensure safe, top-quality vessel operation, MOL is expanding training operations around the world to provide classroom and practical training for future seafarers. The SPIRIT OF MOL will give cadets onboard experience, which is essential for getting international mariner certification, as well as having passed the necessary curriculum in a designated educational institute. Graduates from this new training system will soon contribute to safe operations throughout the MOL Group fleet.