Safety is the Watchword for Container and Bulk Freight Shipping Group

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – Everybody knows that the sea can be a cruel mistress and accidents, both whilst under way and when loading or discharging freight in port, are an occupational hazard which can never be completely eliminated. Container and bulk cargo shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has actively pursued a dedicated policy of improvement, which we have reported previously. This week the ocean freight group has taken another step toward reducing accidents.

Company President Koichi Muto, along with other MOL senior executives, will tour fleet vessels for the next six weeks in a proactive campaign to discuss on board matters with the crews of Mitsui ships. The campaign is intended to achieve the goal of ‘Four Zeroes’ set out in the midterm management plan ‘GEAR UP! MOL’, which began in April 2010. Proposals and ideas gained through discussions with seafarers will be shared throughout the MOL Group and with other MOL and MOL Group-operated vessels, with the aim of further enhancing the safe operation structure.

The ‘Four Zeroes’ are intended to ensure there are no more incidents recorded by the company in the following fields: (1) serious marine accidents, (2) oil pollution, (3) fatal accidents, or (4) serious cargo damage. Staff visiting the fleet will consist of land based marine officers and executives and employees of business and corporate divisions which is intended to educate all company employees to further understand the roles and difficulties of colleagues with whom they normally have little or no contact.

Until the 15th October the management will engage in a frank exchange of views and ideas specifically on the prevention of illness and incidents causing injury or damage, measures to prevent incidents during mooring operations and measures to prevent troubles due to poor maintenance. All classes of fleet vessel will be targeted specifically dry bulkers, tankers, LNG carriers, car carriers, containerships operated by MOL plus the ferries and cruise ships which are operated by group companies.