NYK Seafarers Training Program Meets SIGTTO Standards.

Tokyo, Japan, Sept 14, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - A training program established by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha ('NYK') for seafarers assigned to LNG carriers has been accredited by Det Norske Veritas ('DNV'), one of the world's leading classification societies, to be in accordance with LNG Shipping Suggested Competency Standards (SIGTTO Standards)*. NYK's training program is the first in Japan to receive this certification.

The SIGTTO Standards were established by the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Limited (SIGTTO) in November 2005 to help maintain LNG transportation safety and maritime education standards as the number of LNG carriers throughout the world rapidly increases. Many LNG shippers, including NYK, played an integral part in the creation of the standards.

NYK's certified training program "LNG Carrier Training Standard Course" is offered at the NYK Maritime Training Center in Shin-Sugita, where practical training using simulators is offered to small groups of approximately ten employees at a time.

Since 1983, when NYK began operating LNG carriers, the NYK Maritime Training Center has systematically developed various training programs in order to encourage and maintain safe operations. Programs include LNG Onboard Training, LNG Carrier Training Advanced Courses, LNG Steam Turbine Training, 6,600 Volt high voltage generating Plant Training. As a result of the extensive training provided through these programs, NYK's LNG carriers have had over 2,600 trouble-free voyages over the past 20 years.

In response to the recent increase in LNG shipping volume, NYK intends to aggressively expand its LNG carrier operations. The company is currently scheduled to increase the number of NYK-owned carriers from 37 to 67 by 2010. NYK's newly accredited training program will help the company ensure a stable supply of LNG and the safe operation of LNG carriers worldwide.

* SIGTTO Standards

The LNG Shipping Suggested Competency Standards (SIGTTO Standards) were established in November 2005 by the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Limited (SIGTTO), a nonprofit organization of members representing gas and power companies, LNG carriers, and terminal operators. The SIGTTO Standards are agreed criteria for best practices and acceptable standards to provide safety to the industry and to enhance energy security.

About Det Norske Veritas (DNV)

Established in 1864, DNV is an independent foundation with the objective of safeguarding life, property, and the environment. This leading international provider of services for managing risk is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and has around 6,100 employees at about 300 offices in over 100 different countries.

About Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK)

Nippon Yusen Kaisha ('NYK'; TSE: 9101,) is Japan's leading marine, land and harbour transporter. The company is a diversified agency of marine and land transportation, warehousing, combined transportation by sea, land and air, marine-related business developer and vessel dealer. For more information, please visit www.nykline.com.

Source: Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK)

Contact:

https://www.nykline.co.jp/english/contact/index.htm

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