A delegation from MITSUI O.S.K Lines Ltd (MOL) paid a courtesy call, this afternoon, on the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, in the presence of the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Kawaguchi Shuichiro, in Port Louis.
The delegation comprised the Managing Director from MOL (Mauritius) Ltd, Mr Yamashita Goro; the Project leader, MOL Corporate Planning Division, Mr Shimizu Akira; the Manager for Operation, Mitsui O.S.K Passenger Line Ltd, Mr Uchida Koichi; and the Executive Assistant, MOL (Mauritius) Ltd, Mr Damien Deruisseau. The Managing Director of Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd, Mr Kris Lallsing, as well as staff from the Ministry were also present.
In a statement after the meeting, Minister Maudhoo said that as part of MOL’s actions towards the Wakashio incident, MOL is committed, over the next three years, to assist Mauritius through the implementation of projects. In that context, he stated that MOL is planning a cruise trip by Mitsui O.S.K Passenger Line Ltd’s M/V NIPPON MARU tentatively scheduled for end of 2022.
The luxury cruise ship, he indicated, will have onboard around 350 Japanese top class passengers aged 50 years and above and they will be in Mauritius for three to six days. The seven-star vessel will leave from Singapore and will travel to Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar and back to Singapore.
He rejoiced that this high-end cruise will help boost the tourism sector of Mauritius and provide great visibility for the country.
MOL’s relief activities towards the Wakashio incident
It is to be recalled that an MOL-chartered bulk carrier ran aground in the Republic of Mauritius on 25 July 2020, resulting in an oil spill that had a serious impact on the marine and natural environment, affecting the site, the community, and its industries.
MOL, as the party using the vessel under a charter contract with the ship owner, is committed to contributing to a swift recovery from the oil spill and restoration of the environment and community through specific support activities that meet local needs, such as allocation of personnel and provision of supplies and equipment for the collection of the leaked oil.
Several activities were organised by MOL, namely organisational response, natural environmental protection and recovery project and social contribution activities, procuring supplies and equipment, and dialogue with environmental NGOs and experts, amongst others.
