We already own a tugboat named 旭丸 ASAHI MARU (where 旭 ASAHI, meaning morning sun, can be read as KYOKU). Since the new ship was named 洋丸 NADA MARU (洋 NADA means ocean and can be read as YO), when the names of this pair are combined, it becomes "KYOKU-YO." The idea for the name of this vessel was invented by Tomoya Oe, sub-leader in the Fabrication & Assembly Section of the Production Division, who won the public contest within the company.

As a first attempt for our company, we invited people from within the company to perform the "cord cutting" at the launching ceremony. As result of a lottery, Muneyuki Kubota, sub-leader in the Hull Construction Department of the Production Division and his wife Miho were invited to the ceremonies together with their children.

On the day of the naming, our President Ochi, Senior Managing Director Mitsui, General Manager Konishi of Production Division and members of the Kubota family visited Odo Shipbuilding, and the ceremony proceeded solemnly.

Then came the most important part of the ceremonies - Cord cutting. Representing the Kubota family and the shipowner, the eldest son Yuki (5 years old) and the eldest daughter Rika (3 years old) were named as sponsors. They might be the youngest cord-cutters in history!

The tension of launching from the slipway, which cannot be experienced at Kyokuyo using drydock, made everyone in attendance somewhat nervous, but the sight of the two young siblings getting along well and working hard to cut the rope made the atmosphere relaxed at once. When the cutting was done, NADA MARU moved out to the sea with a roar of fireworks and colorful balloons!

The family members looked uneasy at first, but when the event ended, everyone had big smiles on their face. We feel sure that it was an unforgettable day to remember for family and kids, who received a lot of tangible and intangible gifts.

We would like to thank Mr. Matsuura, President and all the employees of Odo Shipbuilding & Engineering for their warm welcome and arrangement. We look forward to the future activities of NADA MARU which has received a loving cord-cutting, and sincerely wish for the continued growth of Odo Shipbuilding!

[2022/04/05]