Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Beluga-Ace

On August 1, 2020, the car carrier 'Beluga Ace,' which was navigating from Wellington to Hitachinaka, played a heroic role in rescuing 15 fishermen abandoned at sea after their fishing vessel was wrecked. The dramatic rescue unfolded early in the morning when the 'Beluga Ace' detected smoke billowing from a distressed fishing boat around 6:20 a.m. With determination and skill, the crew of the 'Beluga Ace' managed to retrieve the stranded fishermen, successfully bringing them on board by 11 a.m. After ensuring the safety of the rescued crew, the fishermen were safely transferred to their sister fishing vessel on August 2 at 4:10 p.m., following the necessary approvals from maritime authorities. This remarkable act of bravery highlights the critical role commercial vessels can play in maritime rescue operations.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) proudly announced that its next-generation FLEXIE series car carrier has been honored with the prestigious Good Design Award 2018, presented by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JDP). This accolade marks a significant achievement for MOL as the FLEXIE stands out as the sole recipient from the shipping sector in nearly a decade. The award judges applauded the FLEXIE’s pioneering design, noting its remarkable redefinition of conventional car carriers. They emphasized how the new design approach optimizes onboard space, featuring flexibly liftable decks that accommodate vehicles of varying heights, thereby enhancing loading efficiency by an impressive 6.25% compared to traditional car carriers. Furthermore, the incorporation of state-of-the-art augmented reality (AR) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the FLEXIE’s operations ensures not only accuracy but also a high standard of safety, further addressing modern transportation demands.

On Marine Day, celebrated on Monday, July 16, 2023, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) hosted a remarkable event at Harumi Pier, showcasing their state-of-the-art car carrier, Beluga Ace. This initiative was organized in partnership with the Japanese Shipowners' Association (JSA) and aimed to inspire the next generation of maritime enthusiasts. Approximately 360 elementary and junior high school students, along with their families, were invited to participate through an online application process. Visitors were greeted by the impressive Beluga Ace, measuring around 200 meters in length and standing 50 meters high. The tour kicked off with a visit to the engine room, where attendees gathered for an informative presentation on the vessel's machinery, with a lucky few experiencing the thrilling start-up of the power generator firsthand. Participants then watched a demonstration showcasing the precision loading of vehicles, followed by an opportunity to explore parts of the ship from within a selection of the loaded cars. The captain welcomed guests aboard from the bridge, where they had the chance to see and handle nautical instruments and binoculars. Equipped with specially-designed maps, guests roamed areas such as the captain's quarters, a hydroponic vegetable garden, a pool, and a lounge, gaining insight into life aboard a modern car carrier. On the pier, families took part in fun creative activities, crafting paper replicas of the ship. The event was further enriched by the presence of roughly 130 MOL Group executives and employees, along with vessel crew members who shared their experiences of life at sea, making for an unforgettable day of learning and exploration.