NYK using LNG vessel to train cadets

Japanese shipping group NYK has taken delivery of a liquefied natural gas carrier, Grace Cosmos, the first vessel in Japan equipped with training facilities for cadets. 

The first group of cadets from the NYK Class at Shanghai Maritime University boarded the vessel May 10. The training schedule is set up so that all cadets, a maximum of 20 per vessel, will study on one of the group's training vessels for the first three months, after which groups of two or three will board a standard NYK vessel for nine more months. 

NYK is to receive five more similarly equipped training vessels -- three containerships, one more LNG vessel and a very large crude carrier (VLCC) -- through to 2012. The company said it needs the extra crew to sustain its fleet, which is expected to reach 1,200 ships in 2013. 

Source: American Shipper