MOL merges Japanese ferry companies
Blue Highway Line name disappears in merger with The Diamond Ferry Co


Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.  yesterday announced that MOL Group companies The Diamond Ferry Co., Ltd. and Blue Highway Line West Japan have agreed to merge effective July 1. Both companies' shareholders have approved the merger. The companies will continue to develop their business as The Diamond Ferry Co., Ltd.


Profile of new company Company name : The Diamond Ferry Co., Ltd.
Headquarters : Ikushi 5-3-1, Oita-shi, Kyushu
Paid-in capital : ¥1 billion
President : Shin-ichi Takemoto
Number of employees : 318
Main business : Hanshin-Nakakyushu ferry service (4 daily sailings of both in- and outbound lines, joint operation with Kansai Kisen)
Osaka-Minamikyushu ferry service (one daily sailing of both in- and outbound lines)


Objectives of merger
Since 2001, The Diamond Ferry Co. and Blue Highway Line West Japan have had common top management and a business tie-up, with positive effects through rationalization. With today's uncertain business environment such as bunker price trends, the companies must further reinforce their strength, so both companies agreed on a merger as the final stage of the tie-up, aiming to offer higher quality services to meet customer needs.