MOL to Establish Seafarer Training and Employment Structure in Ukraine
- Tie-up with National University to Cultivate Cadets -

January 22, 2007

TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced an agreement to introduce a seafarer cadet program with the Odessa National Maritime Academy in Ukraine. This aims to cultivate the next generation of seafarers who will support a higher level of safety aboard MOL's fleet.

MOL recently announced a back-to-basics plan to reinforce its safety management structure, and is addressing this issue as a top priority.

Program outline

The cadet program will feature a range of practical instruction, with mainly onboard practical training with vessels provided by MOL, and train about 20 students per year. Onboard training will begin in June 2007, and upon completion of the program, the cadets will serve aboard MOL-operated vessels.

Consolidation of seafarer employment structure in Ukraine

MOL started employing Ukrainian seafarers in 2005, and the MOL Group ship management company M.O. Ship Management Co., Ltd. opened a liaison office in Odessa in October 2006. The office developed a tie-up with the Odessa National Maritime Academy to introduce the program in the academy and ensure a stable source of highly skilled Ukrainian seafarers.

MOL's approach to seafarer employment and education

MOL has expanded its fleet along with the mid-term management plan MOL STEP Review, which started in May 2005, and plans to have 900 vessels in service by March 2010. MOL operates its own manning companies and crew training centers around the world. These facilities help meet rising demand for seafarers associated with the fleet expansion, enhance safety training, and ensure the recruiting and education of top-quality mariners for MOL-operated vessels. At the same time, the company recruits cadets from all over the world including the Philippines, India, Croatia, Montenegro, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Russia, and the Ukraine.