Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) closed 2025 with several strategic developments that demonstrated its dedication to maritime innovation, decarbonization and operational resilience. From technological approvals and sustainability partnerships to leadership transitions and succession planning initiatives, MOL positioned itself for growth across emerging energy and infrastructure sectors.
Cable Jointing and Burial Vessels Gain ClassNK Approval in Principle
MOL announced on December 24th 2025 they had achieved Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their basic design of vessels dedicated to joining and burying subsea power cables, marking an important step forward towards building offshore renewable energy infrastructure.
These vessels are part of a collaborative project between Sumitomo Electric Industries, Furukawa Electric and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) subsidized by Japans New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), that addresses crucial requirements for efficient installation of subsea cables that connect wind farms with coastal facilities.
Announcement of Strategic Leadership Transition Announced
MOL announced a leadership reshuffle effective April 1, 2026 to coincide with the conclusion of Blue Action 2035 Phase 1; President and CEO Takeshi Hashimoto will transition into Chairman of the Board while Jotaro Tamura assumes roles of both President and CEO.
Tamura will lead Phase 2 (fiscal 2026-2030). This focus area involves turning investments in DIP Corporation, Utoku Kisen and Mitsui Ocean Chief into steady earnings while green vessel advancements. A new C-suite trio--CEO, COO and CFO--will ensure collaborative decision making processes.
Junichiro Ikeda will transition from Chairman to Corporate Advisor post-AGM on June 25, 2026 as part of MOLs response to IMO 2030 carbon regulations and freight market pressures affecting their 900 vessel fleet of bulkers, tankers, LNG carriers, chemical carriers and car carriers.
MOL and JERA Seal Join Force to Offer Low-Carbon Ammonia Transport Services
On December 29th 2025, MOL signed Heads of Agreement with JERA Co. Inc for chartering two Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) customized for low-carbon ammonia transport from Louisiana's Blue Point Complex in Louisiana USA to JERAs Hekinan Thermal Power Station in Aichi Prefecture Japan. The vessels will deliver ammonia from Blue Point Complex.
This initiative marks Japans inaugural large-scale commercial ammonia supply chain, linking production, maritime transport and power generation use. Following discussions since November 2022, this endeavor fits within MOLs BLUE ACTION 2035 initiative as well as their net-zero GHG by 2050 goals under MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.
MOL draws upon its expertise in safe ammonia handling to meet increasing demand for decarbonized fuels, furthering global energy transition and social infrastructure projects.
Partnership Agreement for Carbon Removal Credits with Isometric
On December 17, 2025, MOL entered into a strategic partnership with Isometric to use it as the registry for high-quality CO2 removal (CDR) credits, supporting its net-zero by 2050 strategy - this included Alt Carbon offtaking 10,000 tonnes for enhanced weathering offtake.
MOLs General Manager of Carbon Solution Development Unit Daisuke Fujihashi stressed the partnership's rigorous verification as essential in mitigating residual emissions and becoming a decarbonization leader in shipping. This agreement positions MOL as an industry pioneer.
MOL Maritime India celebrateds 30th Anniversary this month.
MOL Maritime (India) Pvt. Ltd (MOLMI), MOL's seafarer manning subsidiary in India, celebrated its 30th anniversary with an event honoring seafarers and teams, attended by Senior Managing Executive Officer Mitsuhisa Tanimoto from MOL and group executives.
MOLMI plays a vital role in MOLs global operations by providing crew to work aboard its ships - an example of its long-term investment in maritime talent in Asia.
Additional Sustainability Initiatives have been undertaken.
On December 12th 2025, MOL supported the shipment of used sewing machines for student volunteer activities in the Philippines - further reinforcing its community outreach as it advances core business interests.