Japanese Shipping Giants To Build & Donate Large Training Vessel For Seafarers

Japan’s three major ocean-going shipping companies, NYK Line, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and “K” LINE, are planning to donate a large training ship to the Japan Maritime Technical Education and Training Agency (JMETS).

This move is supported by the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), and aims to tackle long-standing issues in Japan’s maritime education system.

The donation is being proposed as the shipping industry recognizes the growing need to train and secure highly skilled Japanese seafarers. These professionals are considered essential for maintaining and developing maritime transport, which is a key part of Japan’s economy and daily life.

The recipient, JMETS, is an Independent Administrative Institution responsible for maritime technical education and training in Japan. However, the agency is currently facing several serious problems.

According to a summary released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), JMETS is dealing with an unstable financial base and fewer actual sailing days for trainees due to rising fuel prices. There is also a shortage of instructors and crew members, which affects the quality of onboard training.

Another issue is the “multi-discipline, multi-person assignment” model, where students with different qualification levels and learning goals are onboard the same vessel, making it difficult to provide proper training.

The training vessels and school buildings used by JMETS are becoming outdated and in need of replacement. The ministry’s summary stressed that these challenges require fundamental reforms in the way maritime training is managed in Japan.

The three shipping companies and the JSA have agreed to begin planning the donation of a large training ship. This vessel will help JMETS offer better onboard training and allow students to gain the necessary skills and experience.

The project is now moving into the next phase, where specific technical requirements of the vessel will be discussed. Talks with shipyards will also be held to begin the design and construction process.

The new training ship is scheduled to be completed around the year 2030.

References: MOL, NYK