Yuge National College of Maritime Technology Signs Disaster Support Agreements with SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile to Utilize Training Ship 'Yuge Maru'

Yuge National College of Maritime Technology (Ehime Prefecture, Principal: Makoto Uchida, hereinafter 'Yuge Maritime College') signed a 'Cooperation Agreement on the Use of the Training Ship Yuge Maru for Disaster Support' with SoftBank Corp. and Rakuten Mobile, Inc. on March 25, 2026. With this agreement, Yuge Maritime College has now established disaster support agreements with all four major domestic telecom carriers, enabling cross-carrier cooperation during disasters.

1. Background: During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, land routes were severed, making it difficult to restore base stations. 'Ship-based base stations' proved effective in providing connectivity to isolated areas. Given Japan's many islands and complex coastline, maritime support is crucial for disaster resilience.

2. Objectives: Utilizing the technology and know-how of the college and the carriers, the agreement focuses on: (1) Establishing maritime access when land routes are blocked; (2) Rapidly restoring communication areas using the Yuge Maru; (3) Transporting relief supplies and providing shipboard accommodation; (4) Conducting annual joint training.

3. About 'Yuge Maru': Completed in March 2024, the ship is designed as both a state-of-the-art training vessel for future mariners and a disaster support ship. It features ship-based base station capabilities, logistics functions, water purification (10 tons/day), and mobile power distribution.

4. Future Outlook: The college aims to build a broader and more robust disaster communication network beyond carrier boundaries and contribute to public safety through regular joint training.