NiMiC Ship Management, an NYK Group ship-management company, has appointed Louise Lin (Lin Yi-chun) as captain of Taitar No. 4., a NiMiC-managed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. This is the first time that a female seafarer has been named as the captain of an LNG carrier withing the NYK Group.
Captain Lin commented: “Attaining the rank of captain has long been an aspiration of mine, and now it has become a reality. This achievement is not something I accomplished alone; I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from my family, the company, and seafarers I have sailed with throughout this challenging journey. This moment represents an important milestone for local LNG seafarers and marks encouraging progress for women in the maritime industry. It’s a promising beginning, and I am fully dedicated to continuing the effort to achieve a safer, more supportive, and truly inclusive working environment for everyone who works at sea or works for the sea.”
She began her maritime care with MiMiC as a deck cadet in 2011 and advanced to full-time service as a third officer on an LNG carrier managed by NiMiC in 2015. Since then, she has developed expertise and in various roles, encompassing safe navigation and cargo operations, and management.
Earlier in April this year, the group also announced it had appointed Miki Yano as the Group’s first female chief engineer in its 140 year history. “Chief Engineer Yano commented: “Becoming a chief engineer was a goal for me. Now that I have achieved it, this moment will be a new start. I will continue to work hard to acquire skills and knowledge and aim to become a chief engineer trusted by those around me.”
As at 31 March 2024, the NYK Group (or its subsidiaries including joint venture companies) operated 886 vessels and was active in bulk carriers, container ships, crude tankers, offshore vessels, car carriers, LNG, and multi-purpose vessels among others.