Japanese shipping firms commence possible vessel donation for seafarers training

Traning requirements will be determined soon.

Various Japanese shipping companies have started discussions for the possible donation of a vessel to enhance the training of seafarers.

In a statement, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), which is one of the companies participating in the programme, said the large-sized training vessel will be given to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS).

Other companies part of the initiative are NYK Line, and "K" LINE, along with the Japanese Shipowners' Association.

“As identified in the report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)'s study group on JMETS's medium-term strategy, JMETS has been facing various challenges such as an unstable financial foundation, fewer actual on-board training days due to escalating fuel costs, shortages of instructors and crew, and the issue of accommodating students with varying proficiency levels and qualification goals on the same training vessel,” MOL noted.

“Considering these circumstances affecting JMETS, our industry has decided to begin exploring the donation of a large-sized training vessel to actively support the steady progress of JMETS's medium-term reforms based on MLIT's study group report,” it added.

The first step will be to examine the concrete specifications for the training vessel and engage in discussions with shipyards, aiming for completion around 2030.