-- LNG Carrier Wakaba Maru participates in South China Sea exercise --
TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida), along with the Japan Coast Guard, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation, and the Japanese Shipowners' Association, conducted a drill aimed at combating terrorism and piracy on November 18 in the South China Sea.
The MOL liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Wakaba Maru took part in the exercise, conducted in a part of the South China Sea where pirate attacks have been frequent. Upon contact with the Wakaba Maru, the Coast Guard patrol vessel Mizuho rushed immediately to the scene. The practical drill gave MOL the opportunity to ensure the effectiveness of its risk control system, including communication with authorities and other concerned parties.
The drill scenario was that a high-speed boat had tracked the Wakaba Maru in an apparent hijacking attempt as the ship made its way to Indonesia from Japan. The Wakaba Maru, following its security manual based on the ISPS Code, sent a ship security alert to the Japan Coast Guard and its ship management company, M.O. LNG Transport Co., Ltd. The crew also discharged water, locked all doors and hatches in order to prevent invasion by the hijackers. Meanwhile the ship was in emergency navigation mode, including steaming in a zigzag pattern.
M.O. LNG Transport, upon receiving the ship's report, immediately contacted MOL, which activated its marine accident task force. The task force then acted as communications control center, maintaining exclusive contact with the Wakaba Maru.
The Japan Coast Guard ordered the Mizuho, which was patrolling the area to prevent piracy and terrorist attacks, to rush to aid the Wakaba Maru. The Mizuho contacted the LNG carrier and then reported back to Coast Guard Headquarters. The Coast Guard also reported the incident to all parties involved, including MOL's marine accident task force.
For further information, please contact:
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Masao Sasaki
Marine Safety Group, Marine Management Division
Tel: 81-3-3587-7050
Fax: 81-3-3587-7717
E-mail: mrnmo@mail.mol.co.jp