Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MO) has announced that MOL Training Center (Phils.) Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new seafarers' training facility at the construction site within the premises of MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy (MMMA) on January 19.

The new facility will feature navigation, engine, and cargo-handling simulators, along with other hands-on training equipment, enabling an expanded range of training programs in areas such as navigation skills, engine management, and emergency response.

It will also be equipped with comfortable dormitory rooms and dining facilities so that trainees can fully concentrate on their training.

"As the significance of Filipino seafarers-who serve as the core of MOL's vessel operations-continues to grow, this initiative will further strengthen the human resources foundation that supports the world-leading standards of safe vessel operations," MOL said in the announcement.

It added that training programs will also be expanded to include seafarers from across Southeast Asia in addition to Filipino seafarers, thereby enhancing its role as a key training hub for our fleet.

It is also expected that establishing the new facility within the premises of MMMA will deepen engagement among instructors and trainees, foster educational synergies through interaction between MOL seafarers and MMMA cadets, enhance cadet's engagement, and broaden their understanding of the seafaring profession.

MOL said it will strive to train seafarers and create jobs, leading to "human and community development," which is one of the group's sustainability issues, and as a responsible leader in the social infrastructure business, it will continue to support people's day-to-day lives through safe operations.

To this end, the company is committed to cultivating outstanding seafarers who uphold the world's highest standards of safe operation. It achieves this by delivering high-quality seafarer training worldwide, regardless of the seafarers' nationality.

MMMA is an educational institution jointly established by MOL and its partner Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, a vessel manning company in the Philippines.