MOL takes part in pirate attack exercise with Japanese gunboat

JAPANESE shipping company MOL says it recently conducted a joint government-private sector training programme to fight piracy and terrorism at sea.

The exercise, to test MOL's risk management communication channels, involved MOL's very large crude carrier Kaminesan, a Japanese Coast Guard gunboat, the Japan Shipowners' Association and the Maritime Bureau's International Shipping Division.

Participants re-enacted a scenario whereby the Kaminesan was being trailed by a suspect speedboat in the South China Sea.

First, the Kaminesan radioed news of the possible attack to its ship management company, MOL Tankship Management, while the crew discharged water, battened hatches and took steps to repel boarders, an MOL statement said.

The management company reported the emergency to the MOL Safety Operation Supporting Centre set up in February to provide 24/7 safety information and monitoring of targeted vessels.

Once informed, the coast guard ordered its patrol boat, assigned to fighting-pirates and terrorists to the scene.