Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Japan’s second-largest shipping company, is exploring partnerships with Indian firms to locally manufacture tankers. This initiative supports India’s efforts to enhance domestic maritime manufacturing. The Indian government is modernizing maritime laws and investing heavily in shipbuilding to strengthen self-sufficiency in the sector by 2047.
Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is partnering with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to build and operate two very large ethane carriers (VLECs), ensuring stable feedstock supply for ONGC Petro Additions Ltd. (OPaL) in Dahej, Gujarat. Each carrier will cost approximately $370 million, with delivery expected by mid-2028.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is partnering with Innovative Space Carrier and Tsuneishi Solutions TokyoBay to develop an offshore rocket launch and recovery vessel. This initiative, part of MOL’s ‘MOL Incubation Bridge’ program, aims for commercialization by 2030, enhancing rocket launch frequency and contributing to next-generation space transport infrastructure.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Kinetics are innovating to address the global data center shortage by converting vessels into mobile data centers. This initiative aims to utilize shore power, providing a cost-effective solution amidst rising demand from AI advancements. The collaboration plans to begin vessel conversions in 2026, with operations in 2027.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Samsung Heavy Industries are developing an innovative LNG carrier, recently receiving Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register. Featuring a 174,000 cbm capacity and a 300kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell system, the vessel aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting maritime decarbonization efforts by 2027.
Inmarsat Maritime has partnered with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to upgrade its fleet to the NexusWave service, enhancing digitalization with robust satellite connectivity. This transition aims to transform vessels into connected offices, offering high speeds, reliability, and enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Recent tests show impressive download speeds, ensuring seamless communication at sea.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), under President and CEO Takeshi Hashimoto, is launching “OceanCare” on May 1, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance seafarers’ mental health by providing confidential resources. In partnership with the Mission of Seafarers UK, it introduces a welfare officer for personalized support, prioritizing crew well-being at sea and home.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has expanded its fleet with the addition of the “Green Sachi,” a very large gas carrier reflagged to India. Operated by MOL (India) PVT LTD, which now owns 11 tankers, this move strengthens its presence in India’s shipping market, particularly at Gift City, a financial hub.
Shipping giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has teamed up with Climeworks to remove 13,400 metric tons of CO2 by 2030, marking the first collaboration between Climeworks and a maritime company. This partnership aims to scale up carbon removal capacity and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate objectives.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) successfully completed a biodiesel-blended marine fuel bunkering operation on its capsize bulk carrier, Midnight Dream, in collaboration with BHP Group. By using biofuel derived from organic sources, MOL aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and embrace more sustainable practices in the shipping industry. This marks a significant step towards a greener future.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) and Fujitsu Limited have introduced an AI-powered crew replacement optimization system for shipping companies. This system uses mathematical optimization to create balanced crew plans, considering factors like seafarer rank, qualifications, and personal events. By reducing onboard periods and improving work-life balance, the system aims to enhance efficiency in crew planning processes.
Titan Clean Fuels and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) recently completed a groundbreaking LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operation in Belgium. This operation showcased the potential of bio-LNG to reduce GHG emissions in the shipping industry. MOL’s commitment to LNG-fueled vessels highlights the importance of sustainable fuels in achieving decarbonization goals.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has achieved a major milestone in green hydrogen use by supplying it onshore in Tokyo from the Winz Maru yacht as part of the Wind Hunter Project. This groundbreaking feat marks the first time a ship has provided green hydrogen for onshore use while underway.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises has acquired a second luxury cruise ship from Carnival Corporation’s Seabourn Cruise Line, signaling its expansion in the domestic cruise market. The Seabourn Sojourn, with a gross tonnage of 32,477, was delivered to MOL on February 28 and will be chartered back to Seabourn until May 15, 2026.
In December 2024, successful trials were conducted on a new system using industrial laser technology to remove rust, paint, and coatings from ship hulls. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), MOL Drybulk, and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding collaborated on the project to create a more environmentally friendly and potentially automated system.
