JAPANESE transportation group Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has announced that it is providing free liner shipping services to transport relief supplies to areas devastated by the earthquake that struck Chile at the end of last month, as well as donating funds to the relief effort.

Shipments of aid will be coordinated with Japan Platform (JPF), an international humanitarian assistance organisation, through the NYK Group-JPF Joint Aid Supplies Transportation Project that was launched in 2004.

In addition, NYK will be collecting donations from employees within the group, and the amount raised will be matched by the company and donated as well.

"NYK Group continues to take an active role in activities that support victims of the natural disasters and benefit society in the company's effort to remain a benevolent, sustainable and socially responsible corporate citizen," a statement from NYK said.