MOL, MHI Start Inspections of MOL Comfort’s Sisters Vessels

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) together with shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the classification society ClassNK, will continue the thorough investigation to find the cause of the MOL Comfort incident, which occurred on June 17 on the Indian Ocean.

”We have decided to take extra preventive measures as it may take some time to identify the cause. For the six MOL Comfort’s sister vessels that we operate, we have already started the operational precautions to reduce the stress on the hull.

“These vessels sufficiently fill the safety standard required by ClassNK in compliance to IACS, but we will conduct upgrade works to further strengthen the hull structure at the earliest timing. This will enhance the strength of the hull twice as much of what is required bythe safety standard mentioned above,“ MOL said in its statement.

The vessels will phase-out from the service for the upgrade works and the sailing schedule will be revised accordingly.

World Maritime News Staff, June 25, 2013