October 05, 2006
TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced that the company has established the "MOL Class" in the Vietnam Maritime University and University of Transport in Ho Chi Minh City. The classes are intended to foster crew members who will contribute to safer, more efficient vessel operation in the future. A total of 62 students are enrolled in the MOL classes at the universities, taking a unique course of study that includes practical education and training on MOL-operated vessels. MOL will also provide practical maritime English classes or similar classes for selected students.
MOL establishes MOL Classes at maritime universities around the world. This allows the company to promote its basic stance of "Safety is the Top Priority" from the beginning of the training process. The program in Vietnam is a part of MOL's overall stance, and uses a curriculum similar to that of the MOL Class at the Dalian Maritime University in China.
MOL considers Vietnam a key source in its manning scenarios and will recruit and develop Vietnamese on board MOL-operated vessels. At the same time, the company proactively cooperates with the Vietnamese government to promote employment, seafarer education, and education and training of marine engineers, all of whom will contribute to the development of the nation's maritime industry.
MOL's approach to fostering a maritime workforce in Vietnam for MOL-operated vessels includes the following: