Giant tanker takes part in anti-piracy training session
VLCC KAMINESAN joins with Japan Coast Guard in South China Sea in session aimed at combating piracy..


Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.  yesterday announced that it took part in a joint government-private sector training programme, aimed at combating piracy and terrorism on the high seas, conducted with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and other organizations. The training session was held by the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Kaminesan which was under way in the South China Sea, in the morning of December 5.

The training, with a JCG patrol vessel rushing to a predestinated spot, simulated an emergency situation, and focused mainly on telecommunications. The training reinforced the effectiveness of MOL’s risk management structure, including communication channels with relevant parties.

Participants included the Kaminesan (under way in the South China Sea in the vicinity of latitude 19 degrees 31 minutes north and longitude 119 degrees 29 minutes east); the Japan Coast Guard, and patrol vessel Shikishima; the Japan Shipowners’ Association; the Land, Infrastructure and Transportation of Ministry Maritime Bureau International Shipping Division; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.; and MOL Tankship Management Ltd.

The training scenario was based on the assumption that the Kaminesan was being trailed by a high-speed boat suspected of being a pirate vessel, while en route from Japan to the Middle East.

The Kaminesan transmitted ship security alert signals to report the occurrence of the sea jacking to its ship management company MOL Tankship Management Ltd. Aboard the vessel, they actually discharged water, bolted hatches shut, and took other emergency steps to prevent pirates from boarding the ship.

The ship management company that received the vessel’s report, immediately reported to the MOL Safety Operation Supporting Center. After that, MOL exchanged necessary information with the ship management company.

The JCG upon receiving the report from the ship management company, ordered the patrol vessel Shikishima, assigned to anti-piracy and counter-terrorism duty in the Southeast Asia area, to proceed immediately to the spot. The Shikishima reported the situation to the JCG upon exchanging messages with the Kaminesan. The JCG reported the information from the Shikishima to relevant parties including the ship management company.

The Safety Operation Supporting Center was established to prevent and respond accurately to various events and phenomenon that may hinder vessels’ safe operation, such as global terrorism threat and abnormal weather conditions, which have occurred frequently in recent years. The center began operation at MOL headquarters on February 1, 2007. The center supports safe operation by offering around-the-clock safety information and monitoring of targeted vessels and other concerned parties.