Recognizing the critical importance of training and securing highly skilled Japanese seafarers, Japan’s major ocean-going shipping companies have begun formal discussions on the donation of a new large-scale training vessel to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS).

This initiative is being led by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) (President: Takeshi Hashimoto; Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), NYK Line (President: Takaya Soga; Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), “K” Line (President: Takenori Igarashi; Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), and the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA) (President: Hitoshi Nagasawa; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo).

A recent report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)’s study group on JMETS’s medium-term strategy outlined a series of pressing challenges. These include an unstable financial foundation, reduced on-board training opportunities due to rising fuel costs, a shortage of instructors and crew, and difficulties in accommodating students with varying skill levels and qualification objectives on a single vessel. JMETS is also contending with the ageing of both its training ships and school facilities.

In response to these concerns, the Japanese shipping industry has decided to explore the donation of a new, large training vessel as a concrete step towards supporting JMETS’s reform efforts, in line with the study group’s recommendations.

The first phase will involve determining the vessel’s specifications and initiating discussions with shipbuilders, with the aim of completing the vessel around 2030.

The companies involved hope that JMETS’s reforms will move forward steadily and that this contribution will support the long-term stability and growth of maritime training and the development of highly skilled Japanese seafarers.