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MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES Announces MITSUI OCEAN FUJI Senior Officers

 

Inaugural Leadership Team Brings More Than 125 Years of Experience


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Captain Kim Karlsson takes the helm of Mitsui Ocean Fuji. 


[October 3, 2024, Tokyo, Japan] – MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, the most experienced cruise line in Japan, today announced the esteemed group of senior officers of the new MITSUI OCEAN FUJI, scheduled to debut in Yokohama on December 1, 2024. 

 

With more than 140 years of combined experience at sea, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI will be led by Captain Kim Karlsson and joined by a team of executive officers including Chief Engineer Diyan Shopov, Staff Captain Simon Daniel Westall and Hotel General Manager Keiichiro Kawano. 

 

Tsunemichi Mukai, President of MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, remarked: “We’re incredibly proud of the senior officer leadership team we’ve assembled to oversee MITSUI OCEAN FUJI and lead the highly anticipated inaugural season. Their extensive experience, meticulous attention to detail and dedication is aligned with the high level of service we promise to deliver to our guests.”

 

Meet the MITSUI OCEAN FUJI Leadership Team

Captain Kim Roger Karlsson has more than 35 years of experience in the maritime industry, commanding a wide range of vessels from ferries to cruise ships. For the past 20 years, he has captained various ships with Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing on different continents including the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Most recently is commanded Norwegian Viva for the ship’s inaugural season. Captain Karlsson has worked with crew members of more than 70 nationalities, has the ability to adapt quickly to new environments, and his positive mindset and self-motivation. 

 

Chief Engineer Diyan Shopov brings over 22 years of practice in the maritime and energy industries, excelling in marine engineering, strategic sourcing and data analytics in the cruise industry.  He most recently led a dry dock refit as Chief Engineer at Queen Abu Simbel in Egypt, managing the vessel’s engines and generators, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Prior, he oversaw commissioning initiatives for Crystal Cruises Serenity. As a new build team member for Explora Journey in Monfalcone, Italy, he managed contractors and conducted comprehensive testing and commissioning of systems.  

 

Staff Captain Simon Westall has a demonstrated history of working in the maritime industry with more than 28 years of experience. Most recently, he served as Captain onboard Swan Hellenic’s SH Minerva, managing a crew of 30. Prior to that, he served as Staff Captain for Saga Cruises Ltd. From 2006 to 2016, he served as Safety Officer, First Officer (Navigator), Senior Second Officer and Second Officer for Cunard Line and P&O Cruises. He began his career in the cruise industry working his way to Second Officer for Holland America Line from 2001 to 2006. 

 

Hotel General Manager Keiichiro Kawano was born in Tokyo and joined Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line Ltd. currently known as MITSIU OCEAN CRUISES in 1985, after graduating with a degree in political science and economics. He started on board Shin Sakura Maru, Nippon Maru (second generation), Fuji Maru and was part of the inaugural team for current Nippon Maru in 1990. He worked his way up the ranks from Third Purser, Second Purser, Cruise Director, Chief Purser to General Manager. He also served as Director in charge of Service Management at the corporate offices. During the renovation of Nippon Maru in 2010, he was in charge of the new facility project, introducing new services and recruiting skilled crew members while working shoreside. 

 

After the recent successful handover between Seabourn Cruise Line and MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI is currently at Mitsubishi Shipyard in Yokohama for refurbishment, such as the addition of shower toilets in all suites, galley equipment updates and rebranding of venues. Crew training is also underway, preparing for the inaugural season. 

 

MITSUI OCEAN FUJI will debut in Yokohama on December 1, 2024, as Japan's most luxurious all-suite cruise ship with spacious passenger venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, curated entertainment and exciting ports of call. The ship will sail on inspiring voyages celebrating the blue ocean and Japan’s awesome natural beauty.


The 458-guest, 32,477-ton MITSUI OCEAN FUJI embodies “FUNATABI – beautiful encounters with Japan.” On sale now, the inaugural season offers a series of Debut Cruises (December 2024-January 2025), including a special New Year’s sailing; Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); and a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025).

 

A MITSUI OCEAN FUJI video tour can be viewed here:  https://youtu.be/1IGQZUYXbYU

 

For additional information on MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, visit https://mol-cruises.jp/en.

 

 

About MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES: 

Rooted in Japanese heritage, nature and traditions, from the blue sea, MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES connects people with the wonders of nature and Japanese culture to enrich people’s lives and secure a happier and more sustainable future. MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES is the brand of the MOL Cruises, Ltd, the most experienced cruise line in Japan and is part of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Ltd. (MOL) group of companies. It operates the cruise ship NIPPON MARU and will begin operating its second luxury cruise ship, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI in December 2024. 

 

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES and the blue circle with the whimsical “three bars” design are service marks of MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES. 

 

Contact Information: 

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES

Public Relations 

Tel: +81-3-4446-7531 / Fax: +81-3-3504-8555 

 

FOR ENGLISH ONLY:

Karen Candy

+1 661-644-3999

 

 

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