Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced an agreement with Russia’s Admiral Ushakov Maritime State Academy to introduce a seafarer cadet training system. The move is aimed at developing a new generation of mariners and ensuring safe, efficient operation of the world’s merchant fleet.

– Outline of program and development employment system

The cadet program, which will start in December 2006, consists mainly of onboard practical instruction and MOL will provide 10 to 12 vessels for the training. About 20 students will take onboard training every year, and be hired as MOL officers after graduation.

Azalea Maritime B.V. (headquarters: Rotterdam) which supervises crew management in Europe, will take responsibility for recruiting. In advance of this program it established a subsidiary called Azalea Maritime Novorossiysk Ltd. in Novorossiysk on the Black Sea in southwestern Russia in August 2006. The new company acquired a license to conduct seafarer employment activities on November 9. Its recent grand opening ceremony for the subsidiary attracted many industry and government leaders interested in the cadet program. Representing MOL was Senior Managing Executive Officer Toshihiro Kagami.

– Establishing seafarer employment and education systems in Russia

MOL has recruited and hired crew members and seafarer cadets in Vladivostok and Novorossiysk since 2002.

MOL and Russia's Maritime State University (MSU) teamed up to open a maritime training center in Vladivostok, in August 2005. The company started to recruit cadets graduated from the Admiral Ushakov Maritime State Academy in February 2005, and will introduce this program to ensure stable education and employment of top-quality seafarers.

– MOL’s approaches to seafarer employment and education

MOL has expanded its fleet along with the mid-term management plan MOL STEP Review started in May 2005, and plans to have 900 vessels in service by March 2010. 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. MOL also operates its own manning management 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.