NYK provides free ocean transport of monument for Japanese victims of NZ 2011 earthquake
NYK has provided free ocean transport for a monument recognizing the Japanese who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand, on February 22, 2011, the shipping company press release said. Ocean transport was provided by NYK Line, and overland services in New Zealand and Japan were handled by NYK Group company Yusen Logistics.
Of the two monuments that were produced, one was installed at a church in Christchurch, and the other was shipped by NYK at the request of the New Zealand Embassy to Toyama College of Foreign Languages, which lost 12 students in the disaster. The monument, funded by donations collected in Japan and New Zealand, stands on a wooden base made from one of New Zealand’s kahikatea trees, which are characterized by their complicated structure of multiple tree roots and branches tangled on a single trunk, symbolizing the importance of human bonds and mutual support to overcome the sadness of this tragedy.
The monument arrived at the port of Toyama on June 8, and a dedication ceremony was held at the college on June 25. New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully, New Zealand ambassador Ian Kennedy, and NYK corporate officer Yoko Wasaki joined bereaved family members and school officials in attendance. Following a speech by Minister McCully, David Bolam-Smith, who lives in Christchurch and promotes exchanges with Japan, offered his thoughts. Each person in attendance then extended their condolences to the victims by placing flowers on the monument.
The NYK Group is proud to be able to use its logistics and transport services, facilities, and networks across oceans, land, and air to honor those involved in beneficial exchanges between countries.
