MOL acquires Azalea Maritime, renames company

The Japanese shipping company said the acquisition is part of its goal of enhancing the stable supply of top-quality seafarers for liquefied natural gas carriers and tankers.    Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has acquired 100 percent of the issued shares of Netherlands-based vessel manning services company Azalea Maritime BV, MOL revealed Monday.
   The transaction, which occurred on Dec. 21, 2017, according to MOL, resulted in Azalea Maritime BV changing its name to MOL Maritime (Europe) BV on Jan. 1.
   MOL said the acquisition was part of its aim of enhancing the stable supply of top-quality seafarers for liquefied natural gas carriers and tankers.
   “MOL will enhance providing top-quality seafarers for MOL-operated LNG carriers and tankers and continue to aim to become a world leader in safe operation,” MOL explained in a statement.
   “MOL Maritime (Europe) B.V., as a manning company, will continue to support MOL safe operation, while inheriting Azalea Maritime’s accumulated experience with European seafarers and know-how of the manning business,” the company said.
   In addition to vessel crew management, Azalea has previously provided safety training and technical services, such as repair work, ship surveying, safety inspections and audits of companies and vessels.