Chairman of MV Wakashio Operator Named Honorary Consul of Mauritius in Japan

In a surprising turn of events, Junichiro Ikeda, the Chairman of Mitsui OSK Lines, the operator of the MV Wakashio, has been appointed as the new Honorary Consul of Mauritius in Japan.

The President of Mitsui OSK Lines was recently presented with a letter of commission by the Attorney General Maneesh Gobin.

Mitsui OSK Lines and Nagashiki Shipping, the operator and owner of the MV Wakashio, had previously issued apologies for the oil spill that occurred in the Southeastern lagoons of the island following the vessel’s grounding on the reefs of Pointe d’Esny.

Mitsui also established the “MOL Charitable Trust” in Mauritius as part of its “benevolent and philanthropic actions” to support activities for the public benefits of Mauritius and its people to address the impacts of the oil spill

This unexpected appointment has raised questions and skepticism about the nature of this diplomatic move.

Source: Le Mauricien