Japan’s three largest shipowners—Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), NYK Line, and K Line—are collaborating to donate a new large-scale training vessel to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS). This initiative aims to tackle challenges such as aging vessels, limited onboard training time, and a shortage of qualified instructors.
The planned vessel, expected to be delivered around 2030, will enhance the long-term development of skilled Japanese seafarers and support reforms identified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). These reforms address critical issues like funding, training duration, and diversity among students in maritime education.
Currently, JMETS operates eight maritime schools with a fleet of five aging training vessels. Rising operational costs, especially fuel, have further limited at-sea training opportunities. The shipping companies and JMETS will collaborate to define the vessel’s technical specifications and initiate discussions with shipyards soon.
In a joint statement, the companies expressed hope that their donation will contribute to the effective development of maritime training and the cultivation of highly skilled Japanese seafarers, aligning with the recommendations from the MLIT study group.
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