News Releases in 2008
March 7, 2008
Back row, middle: NYK chairman Takao Kusakari
The president of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesić, who was visiting Japan as the head of a state for the first time, visited NYK to meet with NYK Chairman Takao Kusakari and other executive members.
During the meeting, President Mesić expressed his appreciation to NYK for its efforts to expand job opportunities for Croatians. He also stated that he would like to deepen ties with NYK in the fields of port, shipbuilding, and tourism activities. In response, Chairman Kusakari stressed the importance of the Croation seafarers, many of whom occupy core positions on NYK vessels. He also expressed his desire for a strong cooperative relationship in other areas of industry. Later, Corporate Officer Hiroshi Sekine talked about the current status of NYK ships and presented President Mesić with a commemorative gift. After the presentation, the meeting concluded in an amiable and relaxed atmosphere.
NYK Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK, established an office in Croatia in 2004. Around 220 Croatian crew members are currently among the approximately 2,350 seafarers operating NYK ships. These valued Croatian crew members serve in a variety of posts, including senior positions, such as captains and chief engineers who have a wealth of experience in ship operations and play significant roles in managing large and high value-added carriers, including containerships, LNG carriers, and very large crude-oil carriers.
In its effort to foster a rich pool of human resources, NYK, in collaboration with the University of Split’s Faculty of Maritime Studies, established in December 2005 a special program to train cadets for the NYK fleet.
Moreover, another example of the company’s link to Croatia is demonstrated by the NYK Car Carrier Group, which provides charter services using four car carriers built at the Uljanik Shipyard in Croatia.
NYK aims to continue to deepen it ties with Croatia in various fields in order to foster good fellowship with the country and its people.
