Tag: MOL

Mitsui OSK Lines have started their safety campaign involving all MOL Operated vessels Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced the launch of a safety campaign involving all MOL-operated vessels from April 1, 2011.We have a frank exchange of ideas and opinions between management and seafarers and other front-line personnel about the prevention of accidents resulting in injury or death, which is one of the targeted four zeroes* in the midterm management plan GEAR UP! MOL that began in April 2010.* Four zeros Never allow (1) marine incidents, (2) oil pollution, (3) fatal accidents, or (4) cargo damage1. Campaign period One and a half months from April 1 to May 15, 20112. Theme Increase safety awareness by intensive visits of executives and employees including top management, aiming at achievement of the "four zeroes." Develop an environment that allows seafarers to concentrate on safe vessel operation and safe cargo transport, by directly explaining effects of the Tohoku Pacific Ocean Earthquake, responses to the quake aftermath, and proper information on radiation.Exchange ideas, advice, and opinions between onboard personnel and land-based personnel about "not allowing minor issues to develop into serious problems," based on lessons from resent accidents resulting in ...

Partnership with Hoegh Autoliners of Norway Mitsui OSK Lines has teamed up with Hoegh Autoliners of Norway in a joint venture that is looking to cash in on the short sea shipping business in EuropeThe Japanese transportation giant says the 50/50 partnership, Euro Marine Logistics, will be among the top three market leaders by the third quarter with a fleet of 13 vessels.Belgium-based EML says its short sea stable will include 750, 1,500 and 3,000-car vessels which will receive logistical support from both parents.The service network includes routes in the the Mediterranean, Continental Europe, UK and the Baltic, according to a statement.Financial terms were not disclosed.Source: Tradewinds

The main reasons for delay are port congestion at China ports On-time arrival performance for worldwide vessels dipped on the Asia-US West Coast and Asia-Europe trade lanes, but improvements were seen on the Asia-US East Coast and transatlantic lanes, according to data from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).On-time arrival performance globally was 88% on the Asia-US West Coast during the three months period ended June 2011, a 5% drop from 93% seen in the January-March 2011 period. The Asia-Europe trade performance dipped to 90% from 92%."The main reasons for delay are port congestion at China ports (port closure due to bad weather) - some could be recovered though still a few ports suffered delays," MOL said.On the Asia-US East Coast trade, on-time arrival performance improved during the period to 86% compared to 83% in the previous period. The transatlantic trade showed a marked improvement to 92% from 50%, according to the Japanese liner.Ships operated by MOL recorded similar performance results showing improvements in the Asia-US East Coast and transatlantic trades, and regression on the Asia-US Wast Coast and Asia-Europe trades.Source: Seatrade Asia

Developed as low fuel consumption eco-friendly ship Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (with president Mr. Yasuhiko Katoh) has agreed with a first class shipowner to build 2 units of "neo Supramax 66BC", 66,000 dwt bulk carriers of next generation newly developed as low fuel consumption eco-friendly ship.Keeping the superior usability of MES best selling 56,000 dwt type handymax bulk carrier which achieved over 170 contracts, this new and larger type bulk carrier is expected to establish a new segment in bulk carrier market. Development of the ship's design was preceded by hearings from various owners and operators and investigations on more than 600 ports all over the world. This ship is designed to have over-Panamax beam (36m) and shallow draft in consideration of prevailing trade patterns and the expansion of Panama Canal in 2014.Despite its larger deadweight and cargo capacity than Mitsui 56, neo Supramax 66BC achieves even less fuel consumption by adopting newly developed hull form and other energy saving equipment.At IMO MEPC62 held from 11th to 15th July, 2011 in London, implementation of new energy efficiency design index (EEDI) and actual restrictions on fuel consumption in line therewith have been adopted. Ocean-going ships to be built now ...

It improves fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has adopted the use of a new low-friction ship-bottom paint to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.The high smoothness of the paint, Seaflo Neo developed by Chugoku Marine Paint, reduces friction drag between the hull and the water, improving fuel efficiency by 3-5% compared to an identical vessel with a conventional hull coating.The new environment-friendly paint is also low in volatile organic compounds, a major source of air pollution.The paint was applied to car carriers Eternal Ace and Brilliant Ace.MOL moves aggressively to adopt various technologies that will contribute to reducing the environmental burden of its business activities, it said.Source: Seatrade Asia

Increasing international interest in Vietnam's port sector The Japanese government, investors, contractors, and shipping lines are all looking to get involved in the Vietnamese ports and shipping sector, said the London-based Business Monitor International's (BMI) Vietnam freight transport report for 2011's third quarter, according to Vietnam News Briefs Service.Japanese interest in Vietnam's ports and shipping industry was surging, BMI noted, cited Kobe Steel as saying it will build its own US$244 million to $365 million port in Vietnam to secure iron nugget supplies.Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) will deploy Europe-bound container vessels for the first time that will have a handling capacity of 6,500 TEUs. MOL will operate 10 such vessels through Vietnam on a weekly basis.Besides, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) was to launch freight services between Southeast Asian countries in association with state-run Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines).Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha ("K'' Line) along with a Vietnamese logistics firm will establish a joint venture in Hanoi to operate an international freight forwarding business by sea and air. The venture was also considering establishing a branch in Ho Chi Minh City.Meanwhile, Japan International Cooperation Agency was funding the bulk of the US$1.7 billion to Lach Huyen's new port project in the ...

Building 2 New 8,600TEU Containerships Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced a decision to order two containerships (8,600 TEU) from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., with delivery slated for 2013. Along with eight 8,100 TEU ships already in operation, the new vessels will be deployed to Asia-Europe routes.The company also reached an agreement with NOL Group* for a three-year charter of five large containerships (14,000 TEU) of 10 that NOL Group has on order. The five chartered ships will be delivered in 2013 - 2014 and will serve with the other five operated by APL on Asia-Europe routes."Expansion of the fleet will secure needed capacity on the East-West route, and allow us to provide high-quality, competitive services. MOL works continuously to further improve and optimise its service, and is reviewing the need for an expansion of the fleet on not only East-West trades but also all other routes for the benefit of our customers," said Junichiro Ikeda, CEO, MOL Liner.Source: MOL

Violated numerous provisions of the Shipping Act The Federal Maritime Commission announced a compromise agreement under which Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has paid $1,200,000 in civil penalties.Known as MOL throughout the ocean carrier industry, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is a vessel-operating common carrier headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, that operates in the U.S.-foreign trades and globally.Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr. stated: "These penalties should serve as a reminder that the Commissions hard-working Area Representatives and Bureau of Enforcement remain vigilant on the shipping publics behalf. If youre violating the law, sooner or later, we will find you, and the consequences can be serious."The compromise agreement resolved allegations that MOL violated numerous provisions of the Shipping Act through activities that included: (1) misdescription of commodities; (2) unlawful equipment substitution; (3) providing transportation services to and entering into service contracts with unlicensed, untariffed, and unbonded ocean transportation intermediaries; (4) permitting use of service contracts by persons who were not parties to those contracts; and (5) providing transportation that was not in accordance with the rates and charges set forth in MOLs published tariffs. Commission staff alleged that these practices persisted over a period of several years and involved numerous service contracts.Under ...

Launch of a safety campaign Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. today announced the launch of a safety campaign involving all MOL-operated vessels from April 1, 2011.MOL would like to have a frank exchange of ideas and opinions between management and seafarers and other front-line personnel about the prevention of accidents resulting in injury or death, which is one of the targeted "four zeroes" concept (Never allow (1) marine incidents, (2) oil pollution, (3) fatal accidents, or (4) cargo damage ) in the midterm management plan "GEAR UP! MOL" that began in April 2010.1. Campaign periodOne and a half months from April 1 to May 15, 20112. Theme 1. Increase safety awareness by intensive visits of executives and employees including top management, aiming at achievement of the "four zeroes."2. Develop an environment that allows seafarers to concentrate on safe vessel operation and safe cargo transport, by directly explaining effects of the Tohoku - Pacific Ocean Earthquake, responses to the quake aftermath, and proper information on radiation.3. Exchange ideas, advice, and opinions between onboard personnel and land-based personnel about "not allowing minor issues to develop into serious problems," based on lessons from resent accidents resulting in injury. Further enhance the safe operation structure ...

Coating may save up to 4% fuel, says MOL New paint traps water to give a smooth surface for better fuel savings. A novel hull paint has delivered fuel savings of 4%, says Mitsui OSK Lines, following sea trials on its latest newbuilding, the car carrier Neptune Ace. Along with the fuel savings come corresponding CO2 emission cuts, the company pointed out. This low-friction coating has been developed jointly by MOL and Nippon Paint Marine Coatings and it is being marketed under the brand name LF-Sea, while joint R&D continues to develop what MOL describes as "an ultra-high fuel efficient" ship bottom paint, with the aim of further CO2 reductions.Source: MITSUI OSK Lines