Legacy Continues with the MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA, Debuting in Septembe

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, announced that the cruise ship Nippon Maru, operated by its group company MOL Cruises,  concluded its illustrious career on Sunday, May 10, upon its return to Yokohama Port, bringing its nearly 35-year history to a close. Later that day, more than 7,000 people attended the ship’s retirement ceremony at the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, where the ship’s final voyage came to an end. Looking ahead, with two vessels, MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA, a new vessel going into service in September 2026 and MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, which is already in service, will continue to carry on the tradition of the Nippon Maru, MOL Cruises will continue working to enhance customer satisfaction.

Since entering service in 1990, the Nippon Maru has completed more than 2,000 voyages, called at over 400 ports in Japan and abroad, and welcomed more than 600,000 guests^(Note). While earning high praise from passengers for the spirit of hospitality that MOL Cruises has cherished for many years, as well as for its exquisite onboard dining, the ship has played a leading role in Japan’s leisure cruise market.

On the day of its retirement, the venue was filled with guests who have been sailing for long-time with the Nippon Maru and others with close ties to the ship, many of whom waved a fond farewell to the crew standing on deck. At the pier, the Nippon Maru and the MITSUI OCEAN FUJI stood side by side, creating a scene that symbolized both the history and the future of the company’s cruise brand.

The MOL Group positions its cruise business as one of its non-shipping, stable-revenue operations designed to hedge against the volatility of the shipping market, as outlined in its management plan, “BLUE ACTION 2035” Phase 2. Looking ahead, the group will work to further enhance its corporate value and realize its vision through the operation of the Mitsui Ocean Fuji and the Mitsui Ocean Sakura.