NYK Group Extends Deadline for free-of-charge Transport to Countries Affected by the Asian Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster
February 4, 2005
The NYK Group has energetically implemented free-of-charge transport services, centering on transport by ship, of aid supplies for victims of the recent earthquake that occurred off north Sumatra, Indonesia and the subsequent tsunami in the Indian Ocean. The Group has reviewed and determined to extend the deadline for the free-of-charge transport services.
Originally, the charge-free rule had been applied for all aid supplies brought to the container yard at the shipping site by the end of January 2005. However, the deadline for sending an application for the voluntary transport of aid supplies will be extended through to the end of February 2005 in principle and we ask that aid supplies be brought to the container yard by the end of March 2005.
To date, the NYK Group's free-of-charge transport equals nearly 150 20-foot containers. Moreover, the Group's voluntary transport of almost 50 containers is scheduled. Future free-of-charge transport from Japan includes the transport of 111 wheelchairs to be shipped to Sri Lanka on February 11, 2005. These wheelchairs will be supplied to injured and/or elder victims in Sri Lanka, by JAPAN MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION OF WELFARE under its aid project entitled 'Flying Wheelchair'. The association addressed industrial high school students throughout Japan to repair obsolete wheelchairs as their voluntary activities. NYK will support these aid activities along with many people including the high school students, through its maritime transport operations utilizing the Monohakobi (transport) Network of the Group.
Aside from the free-of-charge transport, the NYK Group, as a whole, has contributed a total of nearly 30 million yen (equivalent to approx. US$288,000 based on the exchange rate of US$1=104.06 yen as of February 3, 2005) to Japanese Red Cross Society and other support groups in Japan and overseas. Additionally, the NYK Group called on its directors and other staff members in Japan to collect donations of over 4 million yen (equivalent to US$38,000 based on the exchange rate of US$1=104.06 as of February 3, 2005). The Group will add its matching gift to this contribution to donate Japan Platform.