Update report on Cruise Ship Fuji Maru Calls at Ports in Iwate Prefecture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 14, 2011 -- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today reports that its ocean cruise ship Fuji Maru has provided free day-use services such as meals, baths, and rest for victims of the Tohoku–Pacific Ocean Earthquake at ports in Iwate Prefecture.

About 1,000 people in Ofunato and Rikuzen-takata cities took advantage of the service at Ofunato port on April 11 and 12, and about 300 people at Kamaishi port on April 13. On the evening of April 11, the Fuji Maru received an expression of thanks from the city of Ofunato, delivered by Mayor Komei Toda.

The Fuji Maru continues to provide day services at Kamaishi port for one more day, and then will call at Ofunato port again on April 15 for the same purpose. Finally, the ship is to call at Miyako port April 16 and 17 to provide services for people in that area.

Schedule of Fuji Maru
Thursday, April 14 18:00 Depart Kamaishi
Friday, April 15 08:00 Arrive Ofunato (Nonoda area wharf)
16:30 Depart Ofunato
Saturday, April 16 08:00 Arrive Miyako (Fujiwara area pier)
Sunday, April 17 18:00 Depart Miyako
Monday, April 18 17:00 Arrive Tokyo

Details of services for quake victims
Provide meals featuring fresh vegetables
Provide baths in the large communal bathing facility
Use of guest rooms (showers are available)

Use of onboard public telephones, mobile phone battery chargers (with cooperation of NTT DOCOMO)
Onboard cinema

Some comments from people who have used the services offered by the Fuji Maru.
We suffered the tsunami because we are a harbor town, and because we’re a harbor town, we could receive the gift of these wonderful services. I’ll never forget this kindness.
I’ve lived for 58 years and never felt such kindness before.

The first time I’ve eaten from tableware since the quake. It was wonderful.

The crew on the ship was so kind and considerate. It was wonderful.

Other comments included “Thank you so very much.” “Someday I’d like to take a cruise on the Fuji Maru.”

(Reference)
Main specifications of the ocean cruise ship Fuji Maru
Shipowner: Nippon Charter Cruise (MOL Group 50%, Shinnihonkai Ferry Group 50%)
Gross tonnage: 23,235 dwt
Length: 167m
Beam: 24m
Draft: 6.6m
No. of passengers (max.): 600

NOTES TO EDITORS:

MOL is one of the world’s largest multi-modal transport companies, operating 861 vessels and employing a workforce in excess of 9,200 worldwide. MOL operates one of the largest and most diverse networks of liner and logistics services around the globe, including weekly Transpacific, Transatlantic, Americas and Asia-Europe services. Please visit the company’s website at www.MOLpower.com.



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Yasuyuki Fukuma, General Manager
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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.

Tel: +81-3-3587-7015/Fax: +81-3-3587-7705
E-mail: pblmo@mail.mol.co.jp

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