MOL Suspends Cruise Ship Master after Allision in Guam

Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line, a part of Japan’s shipping major MOL, suspended the Master of the cruise ship Nippon Maru following an allision in Guam.

Namely, the Master in charge of maneuvering the 22,472 gross ton vessel was suspended pending the results of the investigation as there were reports of alcohol use on the day of the accident.

MOPAS requires personnel to “abstain from drinking alcohol four hours before performing scheduled duties on the day” and anyone in violation of the policy is subject to immediate removal.

The company also suspended cruises after Nippon Maru allided with a US Navy fuel pier in Apra Harbor, Port of Guam, in the evening hours of December 30, 2018.

The vessel, which was carrying 372 passengers and a crew of 252 on board, was scheduled to sail to Saipan.

“Fortunately, no passengers or members of the crew were injured, and there was no fuel spillage as a result of the collision,” MOL said.

The Nippon Maru returned to port and is currently docked and undergoing a full assessment. An initial examination shows the Nippon Maru sustained damage to the lower portion of the stern of the vessel.