Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Offers Cruise Ship to Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami

Post-quake Update on Support for Victims of the 2011 Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake

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

(1)   Provide meals featuring fresh vegetables

(2)   Provide baths in the large communal bathing facility

(3)   Use of guest rooms (showers are available)

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

(5) 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.”

 

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