On April 10, Filipino seafarer Liel Gonzales became the first NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) * graduate to be appointed to the prestigious rank of vessel captain since its establishment in 2007.
　
NTMA is a four-year Philippine commercial shipping university jointly operated by NYK and Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)**

Captain Gonzalez graduated from NTMA in 2011 after completing three years of basic education and training followed by one year of practical training on board an NYK training vessel. After graduating, he joined NYK-FIL Ship Management Inc.*** and has mainly served aboard NYK Group dry bulk carriers over the past decade. He had 33 months of onboard experience as a chief officer, and he recently passed an assessment for his appointment and promotion to the rank of captain.

Since its establishment in 2007 with the aim of developing talented Filipino seafarers, NTMA has maintained a 100% pass rate for graduates on the Philippine Sea Technology National Examination with its own curriculum and boarding training and graduated more than 1,100 seafarers who currently serve on board ships operated by NYK Group.

On February 3, NYK released the NYK Group ESG Story*** which aims to further integrate ESG into the company’s management strategy and promotes activities that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) through business activities. To strongly promote ESG management, NYK will encourage new value creation as a sustainable solution provider by contributing to the training of higher quality seafarers and the creation of employment through the activities of NTMA in the training of seafarers in the Philippines.

* NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA)
Establishment: June 3, 2007
Students: 120 per academic year in two academic disciplines, 60 in marine navigation and 60 in marine engineering
Instructors & Staff: Approximately 70
Location: Canlubang, Calamba City (a suburban city about a one-hour drive from Manila)
Curriculum: Four years (three years of academic study and one year of onboard training)
Mission: To foster global seafarers through higher education by focusing on building an individual’s sense of humanity and providing training in practical maritime technologies

** Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)
A globally competitive and highly progressive Philippine-owned business group that comprises over 40 companies, primarily in logistics, ship agent services & seafarer manning, travel & tourism, information and communications technology, and other investments in industries such as renewable energy, agriculture, and real estate. Since its establishment in 1976, TDG has been actively working with NYK and has since become a respected strategic partner of large global corporations due to its world-class experience and win-win outlook.

*** NYK-FIL Ship Management Inc.
A joint venture established by NYK and TDG in 1989 for training, development, and management of Filipino seafarers on NYK-operated vessels. NYK-FIL now provides Filipino seafarers to more than 200 vessels managed by NYK and is overseeing the promotion of captains and chief engineers to advanced NYK ships such as VLCCs and LNG carriers.

**** NYK Group ESG Story
A guideline detailing concrete efforts to integrate ESG into management strategies of the NYK Group. Details can be found in the following press release.