Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has decided to purchase a 32,000-ton cruise ship Seabourn Odyssey from US-based cruise line Seabourn Cruise Line Limited.
The vessel, which was purchased today (17 March), was immediately chartered back to Seabourn for a year and a half and will start its service and operation under Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line (MOPAS) by the end of 2024.
Prior to MOPAS starting guest service, the 198-meter long cruise ship will undergo renovations and make its full debut under the MOL Group’s ownership and operation.
Japanese shipping heavyweight has already one cruise ship in service, Nippon Maru. Furthermore, MOL positioned the cruise cruise ship business as a new growth area, and announced the construction of two 600-passenger newbuild vessels to expand the business.
The ships will have 35,000 tonnes and will sail under the Japanese flag. The first vessel is expected to be delivered around 2027. The company is yet to decide which shipbuilding company will construct the vessels.
The purchase of the new vessel marks an advance move into an expanded cruise business, ahead of the launch of these two new vessels, according to the company.
“By increasing the number of cruise ships operated by MOPAS to two, they will be able to significantly increase the number of departures and arrivals in various parts of Japan and globally,” MOL highlighted.