MOL and MOL Sunflower receive 17th MLIT Minister’s award for promotion of Barrier-Free environments

World
March 27, 2024
Recognition for Universal Design of Japan’s 1st LNG-fueled Ferries Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasak
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines,  and its group company MOL Sunflower  announced that the Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki , Japan’s first LNG-fueled ferries, received the 17th “Minister’s Award for the Promotion of Barrier-Free Environments” from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in recognition of their barrier-free improvements and the universal design efforts of the newly built Sunflower Terminal (Beppu), which was constructed to coincide with the launch of both ferries, which entered service last year.

The MLIT Minister’s Award for the Promotion of Barrier-Free Environments was established in 2007 to commend individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of barrier-free facilities in the field of land, infrastructure, and transportation, and to widely promote and encourage their outstanding efforts, based on the purpose of the “New Barrier-Free Law” (Law concerning facilitation of accessibility for the elderly, people with disabilities, etc.) with the objective of promoting and encouraging measures to eliminate barriers to access.

The MOL Group positions diversity, equity, and inclusion as “New drivers of growth.” The group will offer “people- and environment-friendly” cruises so that more people can enjoy the “Casual Cruise” (Note 2) offered by its ferry business. Through concerted efforts, the group will continually contribute to improving the wellbeing of society, sustain people’s daily lives from the blue ocean, and open the way to a prosperous future.

Details of initiatives on barrier-free and universal design

* Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki

Smart embarkation check-in service The 2D barcode serves as both the boarding ticket and cabin key, eliminating the need to go to the ticketing counter when boarding the ship.
Elevator/Passage bridge Two large elevators are installed to accommodate parking requests near the elevators when boarding the ship in passenger cars. The passage bridge for walk-on passengers directly connects to the 6th floor of the ship.
Barrier-free rooms Doors open and close automatically when a 2D barcode is held up. Space is provided to allow wheelchairs to turn around, and an emergency call button is installed in case of an emergency.
Connecting rooms The Japanese/western style suites and deluxe Japanese-style rooms can be connected to the adjacent Western-style rooms to allow three generations of families, including the elderly, to enjoy the cruise, (for a maximum of seven people).
Multi-purpose rooms Toilets and showers with handrails, shower chairs, and ostomate facilities
Digital signage Features a touch panel that is easy for wheelchair users and children to operate. The display also switches to warn of an emergency situation.
Other facilities Baby care rooms and children’s toilets are available. The buffet tables in the restaurant are at a height that is easy for wheelchair users and children to use, and the stores have wide aisles for easy access by wheelchair users.
<Suite Barrier-free>
<Barrier-Free Room (Automatic Door)>

* Sunflower Terminal (Beppu)

Barrier-free parking lot Five covered barrier-free parking spaces, including two drive-through spaces, were installed adjacent to the terminal.
Bus and cab boarding area Bus stops and cab stands will be located in front of the terminal, and the terminal shed will be extended to protect passengers during rainy weather.
Entrance A braille map of the entire building and an intercom for customers who require personal assistance.
Ticketing counter Low counter for wheelchairs and a counter guided by Braille blocks for the visually impaired.
Elevator Four elevators (one for stretchers) are installed at the boarding gate on the 6th floor of the ship. Inside, the elevators feature voice guidance, low-positioned control panels, raised letter buttons, Braille displays, and handrails.
Restrooms Barrier-free restrooms (multi-functional and wheelchair accessible) are provided, in addition to tactile maps and directional audio guides (Japanese and English).
Calm Down and Cool Down Rooms Calm Down/Cool Down Rooms with private space for guests who are experiencing anxiety
Other facilities Baby care room, medical power supply room, first aid room, restroom for assistance dogs, pet walking area, prayer room, and charging zone in the waiting area. Various signs will be multilingual (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean), with pictograms and information maps
<Barrier-free parking lot>
<Entrance>

* Initiatives from Software Perspective

Establishment of guidelines Clarified the conduct required by law or manners during public transportation, and created guidelines that provide reasonable consideration for elderly passengers and those with disabilities.
Support from the Reservation Center Reservation Center staff will ask if passengers need assistance when they make reservations by phone or online, and share this information with the port of embarkation and the vessel.
Implementation and participation in various training programs Conduct various training programs and participate in workshops to learn about the basics of barrier-free and universal design, as well as reasonable accommodations, and apply this knowledge to customer service.

<Beppu City Hospitality Training for the Disabled and Elderly>

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