Japanese companies Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and MOL Marine & Engineering Co. (MOLMEC) have announced the launch of a comprehensive training program utilizing a Dynamic Positioning (DP) System simulator. This initiative is designed for crew members of self-elevating platform (SEP) vessels and service operation vessels (SOVs) supporting offshore wind power generation projects.

The program is set to be completed and accessible at the MOL DP Training Center by the end of 2023. Importantly, this training is not exclusive to MOL Group seafarers; it will be open to a broad range of applicants from Japan and overseas.

In Japan, opportunities for DP system training are limited, and by offering training to a diverse group of participants, the MOL Group aims to enhance the safety of work vessels essential for floating offshore wind power projects. These projects are slated to become operational in the late 2020s and are expected to contribute significantly to the development of a decarbonized society.

The Offshore Wind Power Human Resource Development Project, funded by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, has recognized the importance of this training program and selected it as a subsidized project.

The DP simulator, operated by MOL and MOLMEC, already offers training programs for cable-laying vessels and anchor handling tug supply vessels. Furthermore, the two companies have introduced three new programs, encompassing ship operation, DP system operation training, SEP ship, and SOV training. This extensive curriculum is designed to provide practical and diverse training options.