MITSUI O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) announced the successful maiden voyage of the Mitsui Ocean Fuji, operated by its subsidiary, MOL Cruises. The celebratory event was held at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal on Dec. 7, 2024.
At the heart of the ceremony was the naming of the ship by Senko Ikenobo, the first female headmaster of the esteemed Ikenobo school of flower arrangement. With a legacy spanning over 560 years, Ikenobo bestowed the name “Mitsui Ocean Fuji” upon the vessel, expressing her wish for “safe voyages around beautiful Japan and the world for many years to come.”
Before the naming, MOL Cruises President Tsunemichi Mukai and Capt. Kim Roger Carlson addressed the gathering, expressing their hopes for safe and enjoyable journeys for passengers and crew. The ceremony concluded with the traditional breaking of a sake barrel.
Nippon Maru and Mitsui Ocean Fuji meet for the first time at Tokyo Bay Port. PHOTO from MOL
Adding a touch of Japanese artistry, Ikenobo Senshu, a representative of the Ikenobo Youth Club, adorned the stage with an exquisite ikebana arrangement. The vibrant display, a fusion of leaves and flowers, symbolized the deepening of connections and trust between the ship, its passengers, and the diverse cultures of the ports it will visit.
The launch of the Mitsui Ocean Fuji aligns with MOL Group’s “Blue Action 2035” management plan, which emphasizes diversification beyond traditional shipping. The cruise business is strategically positioned as a key pillar of stable, non-shipping revenue, mitigating the inherent volatility of the shipping market. MOL Cruises plans to expand its fleet further, contributing significantly to the MOL Group’s overall corporate value.
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