MOL Formulates Measures to Reinforce Safe Operation Structure with the Slogan "Returning to Basics"

December 22, 2006

TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced that the company has formulated steps to reinforce its safe operation management structure. They are designed not only to prevent the recurrence of accidents similar to those that occurred on MOL vessels this year, but also to ensure prevention of and appropriate response to various potential incidents.

Headed by President Ashida, all the Group management and employees are being reminded to return to basics of safe operation as their top priority.

"First of all, please allow us to offer our sincerest apologies to all parties concerned for the inconvenience and anxiety caused by the serious incidents involving MOL-operated vessels occurred since April 2006," Ashida said.

The company will step up its efforts to develop its safety standards and safe management structure. Among the above measures include some new programs such as the re-creation of actual accidents scenario using visual materials in Bridge Resource Management (BRM) training and implementation of onboard training with an MOL-owned purpose-built training ship (to be named the Spirit of MOL, slated to start in spring 2007). In addition, a round-the-clock monitoring and warning system is to be introduced. This system will support safe operation by monitoring the position and movements of all operating vessels, weather conditions, and forecasts in one room. Vessel masters concerned will be given appropriate warnings and recommendations directly from the controller.

MOL has opened seafarer training centers in seven nations - the Philippines, India, Montenegro, Croatia, Indonesia, Russia, and the Netherlands - since 1993. The company has worked hard to improve seafarers' knowledge and skills under the direct instruction and supervision of MOL's senior officers. It will continue its commitment to enhancing its global safety consciousness.

Speaking of the Capesize iron ore carrier Giant Step stranded off Kashima in Japan on October 6, MOL has completed the removal of pumpable oil remaining on board. Further efforts will focus on removing the wreck and compensating the fishermen and other local stakeholders in good faith.

MOL will achieve the "safe operation and environmental protection" stated in its corporate principles as a social responsibility that the company must fulfill with the highest priority.