Japan’s shipping giant NYK has appointed its first female captain of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.
NiMiC Ship Management (NiMiC), a Taiwan-based NYK ship management company, has appointed Louise Lin (Lin Yi-chun) as captain of Taitar No. 4, a NiMiC-managed LNG carrier, and she assumed her duties, according to a statement by NYK.
The 147,731-cbm steam LNG carrier was built in 2010 by Kawasaki and it features Moss-type LNG tanks.
Lin said in the statement that “this moment represents an important milestone for local LNG seafarers and marks encouraging progress for women in the maritime industry.”
She began her maritime career at NiMiC 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 continually honed her expertise and excelled in various roles, encompassing safe navigation and cargo operations, and management,” NYK said.
“The NYK Group is committed to proactively recruiting and training female seafarers, and as a result, many women now proudly serve on vessels managed by NiMiC,” NYK added.
NYK continues to invest in its LNG carrier business as part of its plans to reach 130 vessels by the end of March 2029.
Its fleet of operational LNG carriers stood at 93 vessels as of the end of September last year.