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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.

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FY2022 Annual Report · Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.
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MOL  
REPORT  
2022

Year ended March 31, 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supporting and 
Changing the World
from the Blue Oceans

Since our founding more than 130 years ago, we have taken on new business challenges by making use 

of the oceans and establishing bonds with countries, companies, and people around the world.

  Now, we are beginning ambitious new initiatives.

  MOL will realize transport that is safe, economical, and environment-friendly, introduce trailblaz-

ing marine transport technologies, and take on the challenge of expanding new business fields in 

growth regions.

Our overriding goal is to transform from a full-line marine transport company into a social infra-

structure group centered on marine transport. We will continue taking on the challenge of further 

evolution aimed at achieving a sustainable future.

 MOL Group Corporate Mission
From the blue oceans, we sustain people’s lives and 
ensure a prosperous future.

 MOL Group Vision

We will develop a variety of social infrastructure businesses in addition to traditional shipping 

businesses, and will meet the evolving social needs including environmental conservation,  

with innovative technology and services.

  MOL group aims to be a strong and resilient corporate group that provides new value to  

all stakeholders and grows globally.

Offshore 
Businesses

Logistics 
Business

Offshore Wind Power 
Generation-Related  
Businesses

Transforming into  
a Social Infrastructure Group 
Centered on Marine Transport

We are developing a broad spectrum of social infrastructure businesses by leveraging 

the expertise and networks we have developed through our core business of marine 

transport. By extending our business domain, we will become a corporate group that 

helps address and solve a wider range of social issues than ever before.

Terminal  
Business

Clean Energy 
Businesses

Real Property  
Business

MOL REPORT 2022

1

 
CONTENTS

04
A Message from  
the CEO

30
Overview of Operations  
by Business 
Headquarters

Dry Bulk Business 

36

Expanding Our Boundaries

Energy  
Business 

Product Transport &  
Real Property Business 

40
Sustainability Strategy

12
Rolling Plan (Management Plan)

24
A Message from the CFO

60
Dialogue between the Chairman and an Outside Director

Upon Publication of MOL REPORT 2022  

Having experienced the booming emerging economies of the 2000s and two structural reforms of its businesses in the 2010s, the MOL Group is presently in 

the process of dramatically changing its corporate profile. This transformation is being advanced and led by the CEO, who took office in April 2021. In the 

same month, the MOL Group revised its corporate mission, long-term vision, values, and action guidelines to reflect society’s current expectations.

  We have prepared MOL Report 2022 to provide an easy-to-understand explanation of our goal—which is to become a social infrastructure group centered 

on marine transport—and the type of value that we will create by realizing this goal. Accordingly, we have included explanations that are more detailed and 

specific based on Rolling Plan 2022 and the MOL Sustainability Plan, which were announced in April 2022.

  We have also provided an overview of initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of governance in recent years and the benefits of these initiatives.

  We sincerely hope this report serves as a tool that deepens dialogue with shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders, thereby enabling management 

to receive better feedback and further enhancing disclosure.

Investor Relations Team, MOL Report 2022

Scope of the Report  

The MOL Group, comprising Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., 373 consolidated subsidiaries, 127 equity-method affiliates, and other affiliated companies (If the 

subject of activities or data are limited, this is indicated by notes in the report.)

Forward-Looking Statements  

This report contains forward-looking statements concerning MOL’s future plans, strategies, and performance. These statements represent assumptions and 

beliefs based on information currently available* and are not historical facts. Furthermore, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and 

uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, worldwide competition in the shipping industry, customer demand, foreign currency 

exchange rates, bunker prices, tax laws, and other regulations. MOL therefore cautions readers that actual results may differ materially from these predictions.

* As of the end August 2022, unless otherwise specified

SECTION 

01  Value Creation Story

04  A Message from the CEO

10  Value Creation Model

SECTION 

02  Rolling Plan (Management Plan)

12  Review of the Management Plans

14  Rolling Plan 2022

24  A Message from the CFO

28  Business Overview

30  Overview of Operations by Business Headquarters

36  Special Feature: Expanding Our Boundaries

Case 1  Taking on the Challenge of the Overseas Real 

Property Business through DAIBIRU

Case 2 Participating in the Carbon Business

SECTION 

03  Sustainability Strategy

40 

 Sustainability Initiatives

41 

 A Message from the Chief Environment and Sustainability 

Officer (CESO)

42  Safety & Value

46  Environment

50  Human & Community

54 

Innovation

58  Governance

SECTION 

04  Corporate Governance

60  Dialogue between the Chairman and an Outside Director

64  Board of Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members

66  Corporate Governance

72  Risk Management

SECTION 

05   Financial and  

Corporate Information

78  Financial and Non-Financial Highlights

80  The MOL Group’s Global Network / History of the MOL Group

81 

Information Disclosure and External Recognition

82  Glossary (In alphabetical order)

83  Shareholder Information

Underlined words in this report are explained in the Glossary 
on page 82.

Vessel on the Cover
The cover photograph shows a service operation vessel 
(SOV) specially designed to support the maintenance of 
offshore wind farms. While SOVs have become widely 
used in Europe, this is the first newbuild SOV of its kind 
in Asia. With accommodation for up to 90 personnel, the 
vessel is equipped with a dynamic positioning system 
that maintains a constant distance between the vessel 
and an offshore wind turbine. Also, the vessel has a 
special gangway that enables technicians to safely 
transfer from the vessel to an offshore wind turbine. 
After completion in March 2022, the vessel was char-
tered on a long-term basis to Ørsted A/S, the world’s 
largest offshore wind farm operator, and is now engaged 
in supporting operations and maintenance at the 900 
MW Greater Changhua Wind Farms in Taiwan.

2

3

Index for Reverse Lookup of Topics in the Guidance for Collaborative Value Creation1 Values P4–9, P41, P512 Business Model P4–9, P28–39, P803 Sustainability and Growth P4–9, P12–59, P76–774 Strategy P4–9, P12–35, P40–595  Growth (Performance) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)  P11–13, P15, P19, P24–26, P42, P46, P50, P54, P58, P70, P78–796 Governance  P58–77Referenced Guidelines•  “Integrated Reporting Framework,”  IFRS Foundation•  “Guidance for Collaborative Value Creation,” Ministry of Economy, Trade and IndustrySpecial FeatureMITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
A Message from the CEO

With “a social infrastructure group 
centered on marine transport” as its slogan,  
the MOL Group will realize its  
comprehensive strength to advance  
bold initiatives for global growth.

Takeshi Hashimoto 
President & CEO

Fiscal 2021 Summary

 Having Achieved Record Profits, Entering a New Growth Phase

Fiscal 2021, ended March 31, 2022, provided many opportuni-

emerging benefits of structural reforms implemented to date. 

ties to think about our social mission. Due to logistics disrup-

For example, the April 2021 establishment of MOL Drybulk 

tion, sending and receiving essential goods in a timely manner 

Ltd. has enabled the Headquarters of Dry Bulk Business to 

remained challenging in various locations worldwide. Although 

provide one-stop services and improve profitability. Similarly, 

this was not an issue we could resolve on our own, we regretted 

adjustment of tonnage volume and rationalization of vessel 

being unable to fully meet our core role as a shipping company. 

allocation have greatly enhanced the profitability of the car 

was no choice but preferring to avoid these initiatives when-

progressed greatly. Based on the recognition that if climate 

ever possible. However, since announcing MOL Group 

change continues at the current rate the whole world will  

Environmental Vision 2.1 in June 2021 and clearly explaining 

be in deep trouble, there is a growing awareness within the 

to internal and external stakeholders the direction in which 

Company of thinking together with customers about the  

we must proceed, I feel that the mindset of Group officers and 

best solutions and encouraging initiatives that make both  

employees has transformed. Understanding of the need to 

our businesses and those of customers sustainable.

earnestly tackle climate change countermeasures has 

The overriding purpose of a company is to continue providing 

carrier business. Admittedly, a large contribution is being 

“Cruising Speed” of ONE and the Group’s Target Profit Scale

society with value through business activities. A revision of our 

made by equity in earnings of affiliates from Ocean Network 

corporate mission in fiscal 2021 rededicated us to the fulfill-

Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE), which is responsible for the contain-

ment of our social mission. Given the strain being felt around 

ership business. Nonetheless, I am extremely happy to report 

the world due to shortages of goods and soaring prices, we 

that, even if the contribution from ONE is excluded, we are ahead 

must continue providing services in ways that facilitate day-to-

of schedule in reaching the medium-term profit targets set in 

  Aiming to Stably Generate Profits on a Scale Commensurate with 
Accumulated Shareholders’ Equity

day life and economic activities.

fiscal 2017, when we introduced rolling management plans.

The MOL Group’s shareholders’ equity has grown dramatically 

To stably realize profits of ¥200.0 billion, we will require 

As for our business performance, meanwhile, we were 

In addition, we steadily progressed in realizing the 

thanks to favorable performances over the past two fiscal 

ONE to continue making solid contributions even after con-

able to achieve record profits, posting ordinary profit of ¥721.7 

Environmental Strategy set out as a priority in Rolling Plan 

years. If the Group performs as expected in fiscal 2022, share-

tainer freight rates have normalized. Assuming that ONE’s 

billion. As a result, fiscal 2021 proved to be a very fruitful year 

2021. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is certain to 

holders’ equity will reach approximately ¥2.0 trillion in the 

sales range is between ¥2.0 trillion and ¥3.0 trillion, we would 

in which our financial position improved markedly. Analysis of 

require new capital investment and the use of expensive fuels. 

near future. I believe that, having been entrusted with the 

like to get the company on track to achieve a profit margin of 

our business performance tends to focus on the historically 

The extra costs inevitably associated with such environmental 

capital of shareholders, we have a responsibility to pursue as 

between 5.0% and 10.0%. If this is realized, ONE’s profits are 

high freight rates enjoyed by the containership business. 

initiatives previously led some Group personnel to adopt a 

a minimum target a return of about 10.0% of shareholders’ 

likely to trend between about ¥100.0 billion and ¥300.0 billion, 

However, our performance is also attributable to the steadily 

stance of fulfilling the minimum requirements when there 

equity, or in other words, profits of roughly ¥200.0 billion.

which means that MOL can expect to record equity in earnings 

4

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate InformationCorporate Governance 
 
 
A Message from the CEO

of affiliates of between roughly ¥30.0 billion and ¥100.0 billion. 

offshore, real estate, and logistics businesses. Our immediate 

to roles in upstream and downstream supply chain fields will 

warehousing, real estate, and logistics. This approach is also 

In addition, we will steadily solidify marine transport business, 

goal is to establish these profit levels so that we can realize 

open up a wider range of earning opportunities for us. In the 

related to the Regional Strategy that I will explain shortly. In 

other than containerships, that each generates profits in the 

profits of ¥100.0 billion or more even in unfavorable conditions 

marine transport business, in order to meet the needs of 

particular, plans call for growing businesses in partnership 

tens of billions of yen, such as dry bulkers, tankers, car carri-

and profits in excess of ¥200.0 billion when business in vola-

customers, we need to propose optimal transport methods 

with conglomerates and state-owned enterprises in India, 

ers, and LNG carriers. We will also create non-marine trans-

tile markets perform well.

port business with these levels of profits, including the 

Rolling Plan Progress and Future Direction (1)

  Reforming Our Business Portfolio to Build a More Sustainable,  
Stable Corporate Entity

While the absolute amounts of profits are of course one focus, 

businesses mainly based on long-term contracts have rela-

the stability of business performance is also important. In 

tively low profit margins but generate stable cash flows over 

reducing the degree to which market conditions impact busi-

the long term. Therefore, by growing such businesses so that 

ness performance and creating a structure that can consis-

they account for a greater share of profits, we will mitigate 

tently generate stable profits, reform of our business portfolio 

performance fluctuations in our marine transport businesses 

is unavoidable. With this in mind, we have included in Rolling 

as a whole. Further, as the third pillar of our approach, we 

Plan 2022 a Portfolio Strategy that targets raising the profits 

will increase the relative weight in our business portfolio of 

of non-marine transport businesses—mainly offshore, logis-

domains such as logistics and real estate, whose perfor-

tics, real estate, and projects related to the offshore wind 

mances are affected by factors that are completely different 

based on an in-depth understanding of the customer’s entire 

China, and Southeast Asia. Nothing is written in stone to the 

business. In the process, we will gain a detailed and extensive 

effect that these entities only seek business relationships with 

knowledge of the cargo being transported, the related indus-

MOL that are limited to transport. Since such countries have 

tries, and the structures of businesses in the supply chain 

certain barriers to entry and business relationships with local 

beyond the marine transport field. Historically, supply chain 

companies cannot be created overnight, we will establish a 

functions have gradually become specialized and discrete. 

business model that makes the most of the favorable reputa-

However, I feel that there is scope for optimization of these 

tion we have cultivated so far in terms of reliability, techno-

functions through the provision of more-integrated services 

logical capabilities, and safety to venture into the joint 

that extend beyond MOL’s mainstay marine transport field  

operation of an array of businesses that are not limited  

to encompass upstream and downstream fields, such as 

to marine transport.

Rolling Plan Progress and Future Direction (2)

  Evolving Businesses by Combining Environmental and Regional Strategies

In addition to the Portfolio Strategy, the Environmental and 

With this investment, we will expand our low- and zero- 

Regional strategies will be important drivers of business 

emission energy businesses, including the offshore wind 

power generation business—from fiscal 2021’s result of 

from those that affect the performances of marine transport 

development going forward. With regard to the Environmental 

power generation business, and evolve our existing marine 

approximately ¥14.0 billion to between ¥60.0 billion and ¥80.0 

businesses. We will become a corporate group that can gen-

Strategy, given current overall social trends, demand for 

transport businesses by developing a fleet that uses alterna-

billion by fiscal 2035.

erate consistent profits by building a well-balanced business 

goods and services that address environmental issues is likely 

tive fuels to reduce our GHG emissions. In this way, we will be 

A feature of marine transport, which is the Group’s core 

portfolio based on three major pillars: high-risk, high-return 

to increase in various fields, including renewable energy and 

able to continue providing services that are both socially 

business, is the significant performance volatility caused by 

marine transport; long-term stable marine transport; and 

environmental protection. Accordingly, MOL aims to seize the 

sustainable and the preferred choice of customers.

fluctuations in economic and market conditions. Among our 

non-marine transport, such as real estate, warehousing, and 

business opportunities stemming from such demand. As part 

Next, I will turn to our Regional Strategy. Traditionally,  

marine transport businesses, this volatility is particularly 

offshore businesses.

pronounced in such areas as containerships, dry bulkers, 

  With our sights set on establishing the aforementioned 

of these efforts, in fiscal 2021 we embarked upon our first 

our sales organization has been vertically divided according  

investment in the offshore wind power generation business, a 

to vessel type. In this business model, for instance, the car 

tankers, and car carriers. Given the robust profitability of 

business portfolio structure, in January 2022 we implemented 

business field that has a strong affinity with our knowledge of 

carrier business is run by the Car Carrier Division, while the 

these businesses when they are doing well and our social 

tender offers for DAIBIRU CORPORATION and Utoc 

mission to support global economic activities, these busi-

Corporation, which were listed subsidiaries, and then made 

nesses will remain core businesses. On the other hand, 

them into wholly owned subsidiaries. Both of these compa-

offshore operations. This business is in a field that companies 

LNG carrier business is run by the LNG Carrier Division, with 

from various peripheral industries, such as electric utilities 

each division located in the Tokyo Head Office and developing 

and engineering, are endeavoring to enter with an eye on the 

separate operations around the world. This way of organizing 

among the same marine transport businesses, the LNG 

nies have long histories and have established strong positions 

market’s growth potential, but we believe that there are sure 

businesses has certain advantages in terms of promoting 

 carrier business, the methanol carrier business, and other 

in their respective business fields. I am confident that the 

companies will be able to achieve even greater growth by 

incorporating MOL’s network and global business experience 

and, if required, MOL’s capital strength. Particularly in Asia, 

which is a target region of our Regional Strategy, we antici-

pate burgeoning demand for the real estate services offered 

by DAIBIRU and the heavy goods transport services that are 

Utoc’s specialty. By capturing demand for these services,  

we intend to maximize both companies’ growth potential.

In addition, as we continue developing in fields beyond 

traditional business models, the extension of our roles in 

supply chains from existing roles in the marine transport field 

to be business opportunities that a marine transport company 

expertise and efficiency. However, even if one division works 

can capture by utilizing its personnel and expertise. Specific 

hard and manages to establish a business relationship with a 

areas in which we could establish businesses include the 

major customer in one country, other divisions may be focus-

installation and maintenance of power generation facilities 

ing efforts on another country with higher priority for them. 

or the acquisition of floating offshore wind power generation 

Consequently, the Group may not fully utilize painstakingly 

facilities to enter into the power generation business. We want 

established bridgeheads. Therefore, I want to build a structure 

to actively develop such business opportunities because their 

that can spread the benefits of such hard-won positions across 

realization will both address social issues and increase our 

the organization. Although our development of this type of 

growth potential.

organization is still incomplete, over the past few years  

Further, Rolling Plan 2022 earmarks an additional ¥360.0 

we have been introducing a system whereby the Corporate 

billion for environmental investment over the next three fiscal 

Marketing Division, chief executive representatives, and chief 

years—up significantly from that of the previous Rolling Plan. 

country representatives take a more comprehensive approach 

6

7

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate InformationCorporate Governance 
 
 
 
A Message from the CEO

realize our Regional Strategy of jointly operating a range of 

businesses by becoming the trusted partner of local compa-

nies in each country.

The first reason why we have chosen India as a target is 

the scale of the country’s market. There is ample scope to 

establish similar structures in countries such as Indonesia, 

where we have been engaged in businesses for many years, 

and the Philippines, which is a major supplier of crew mem-

bers. Given the resources that need to be committed, how-

ever, we wanted to begin by tackling a large-scale market. A 

second reason for selecting India is that, while various barri-

ers to entry remain, once business foundations have been 

established and become entrenched in the country and its 

market, we will be able to leverage this position to expand 

other businesses. As we have a track record of doing business 

with Indian customers in the fields of tankers and LNG carri-

ers, we want to extend these business activities to include car 

carriers and dry bulkers. We are not yet at the stage of being 

able to set specific targets for sales and profits, but the goal is 

to quickly grow operations to a scale where 30 to 40 India-

based vessels are continuously transporting cargo to the 

country. If this endeavor is successful, we will introduce the 

model to the markets of other countries and regions, includ-

ing Southeast Asia, China, Brazil, and Africa.

to regions that are not restricted by the divisional boundaries. 

By advancing this approach even further and implementing 

initiatives ahead of those for other regions, we are developing 

an “India model” (→ page 21). In fiscal 2022, we have 

appointed to the new position of executive officer in charge of 

South Asia and the Middle East an Indian officer who is conver-

sant with local conditions and delegated authority on matters 

related to regional business development to this officer. We 

are initiating this type of structural change because the cre-

ation of a system in which the officer with regional responsibil-

ity is given discretion and flexibility is essential if we are to 

Reinforcement of the Management Resources for Growth Strategy Implementation

  Pursuing the Human Resource Management and  
M&As Needed for a New MOL

In realizing the Portfolio, Environmental, and Regional strate-

identify but very difficult to accomplish. Nonetheless, I believe 

gies that I have explained so far, the Group must strengthen 

that the issue of diversity and inclusion is a challenge that the 

in-house management resources. We are placing particular 

Group must overcome if it is to survive as a sustainable corpo-

emphasis on finding and securing personnel and ensuring that 

rate group going forward.

each employee fully realizes their potential. With its business 

Also, M&As are a powerful way of simultaneously acquiring 

fields continuing to expand, the Group must establish a work-

personnel and businesses. In selecting partners, we will focus 

force that accounts for an even greater range of skill sets and 

on acquiring companies that operate in environmental business 

aptitudes. Further, since the scope of our businesses is global, 

fields—particularly in the fields of renewable energy and alter-

proceeding with Japanese personnel alone would be impracti-

native fuels—but which lack the funds and personnel needed 

cal. In other words, we need the capabilities of local personnel 

for further growth. Combining the resources of such companies 

who are thoroughly familiar with each region’s values and 

with our funds and personnel will enable us to grow together. 

business practices. The current management of the Company’s 

When searching for such partners both domestically and inter-

organization is still being conducted by a Japanese senior 

nationally, we will focus on finding groups of people with whom 

management team in Tokyo. Consequently, the promotion of 

we have an affinity and compatibility that makes us want to 

diversity and inclusion is an urgent task. This task is easy to 

work and grow businesses with them.

Social Sustainability and MOL

  Seeking the Business Sustainability Essential for a Company Engaged in 
Social Infrastructure Projects

The word “sustainability” can be interpreted in several ways.  

The pursuit of sustainability and profitability tend to be 

I view the achievement of sustainability as meaning that we 

seen as mutually exclusive, but I believe that we can view the 

are able to continue pursuing our fundamental purpose as a 

matter in a more unified way. In April 2022, the Group 

social infrastructure provider, which is to bring capital and 

announced the MOL Sustainability Plan. In light of changes  

personnel together to build platforms and create new value. 

in the Company’s business environment and in society as a 

Throughout its history, the marine transport industry has 

whole, we have analyzed and reviewed our previously estab-

been at the mercy of market fluctuations and has experienced 

lished Sustainability Issues (Materiality) and set out specific 

many significant successes and failures. A business is not 

key performance indicators (KPIs) and action plans for each 

sustainable if a failure can result in severe damage that 

Sustainability Issue. When starting new businesses, we will 

makes continuation of the business impossible. As a company 

select and pursue initiatives in fields that are truly useful to 

engaged in social infrastructure business, we would like to 

and needed by society. If we can make a positive impact on the 

focus on sure-footedly conducting appropriate operations to 

structural challenges of society while earning returns through 

ensure our continued provision of value to society over time 

such efforts, I think we can say that we are making a signifi-

frames of 10 to 20 years. I do not think an approach of con-

cant contribution to sustainability.

stantly seeking the next boom is desirable.

In Conclusion

 Aligning Business Development with Future Global Trends

Globally, the outlook is extremely unpredictable. At present, 

conclusion that the only way to tackle and resolve them is for 

geopolitical issues represent a huge risk, but even if peace is 

the world to work in unison. With this in mind, we must pursue 

restored, issues such as climate change, food shortages, and 

management strategies focused on developing businesses that 

demographic imbalances remain unsolved. The unfolding of 

enable the world’s seven or eight billion people to prosper 

events will bring progress and setbacks, and at times the world 

together in peaceful, safe environments.

may become even more divided. Although there are likely to be 

I would like to ask our shareholders and other stakehold-

many twists and turns, I feel that thinking about pandemics and 

ers for their continued support and understanding.

other difficult global issues inevitably brings us back to the 

Market-oriented shipping, long-term stable  
shipping, and non-marine transport businesses. 
By combining these three pillars in a balanced 
manner, we aim to become a corporate entity  
that can consistently generate stable profits.

8

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate InformationCorporate Governance 
 
 
 
Value Creation Model

Input
Input

The MOL Group’s Capital

Financial Capital 

  Financial base that underpins reliable 
performance of long-term contracts, 
some of which cover periods of more 
than 20 years

   Stable cash flows generated from a 
diverse portfolio of vessel types and 
businesses

Manufactured Capital

  Diverse fleet of approximately  
800 vessels

   Sales and ship management offices in 
41 countries and regions

Intellectual Capital

  In-depth understanding of vessel 
operations and cargo handling as well 
as advanced maritime skills

  Broad knowledge of vessels backed by 
extensive experience

  Strong commitment to innovation of 
the marine transport business and a 
wide range of expertise as a base

  Project management capabilities for 
discovering needs and commercial-
izing ideas

Human Capital

  Highly diverse land-based personnel 
and crew members numbering around 
14,000

  Personnel who share the MOL 
CHARTS values

Social and Relationship Capital

  History and track record stretching 
back more than 130 years

  Customer networks and partnerships 
in Japan and overseas

  Presence in maritime clusters around 
the world

Natural Capital

  Natural environment that sustains 
business continuity

Our Activities

Output

Outcome 
Outcome 

Fiscal 2021

Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2021

Business Fields

Advancing various social  
infrastructure businesses  
centered on marine transport

 P28

Offshore

Terminal 

Real Property

Logistics 

Marine 
Transport 

Offshore Wind Power 
Generation-Related  
and Clean Energy

Short- to Medium-Term Action Plans

Rolling Plan 2022

MOL Sustainability Plan

 P14

 P40

Long-Term Guiding Principle

New MOL Group Corporate Mission

From the blue oceans, we sustain people’s lives and 
ensure a prosperous future.

Code of Conduct

 P51

Reinvestment and the accumulation of knowledge

Marine Transport Business

MOL voyages

Approx. 3,100

(Excluding time charter-out voyages)

Offshore Businesses

4 FSRUs 
7 FPSOs 
1 Powership

Logistics Business

The MOL Group’s marine cargo volume

Approx. 180,000 TEU

The MOL Group’s air cargo volume

Approx.  60,000 tons

Terminal Business

Cargo volume of MOL Group  
terminals in Japan and overseas

Approx. 7.7 million TEU

Real Property Business

Total floor area of  
DAIBIRU-owned properties

Approx. 710,000 m2

Offshore Wind Power Generation-
Related Businesses and Clean 
Energy Businesses

Involvement in offshore wind, wave 
power, tidal power, and ocean thermal 
energy conversion (OTEC) generation

Financial Capital

Ordinary profit

¥721.7 billion

Free cash flow

+¥200.1 billion

Rating and Investment Information, Inc. 
(R&I) issuer rating
Regaining of a rating 
within the “A” class (A-)

Manufactured Capital

Newbuild vessels completed

29

(Including four vessels related to environment-
friendly and emission-free businesses)

Appointment of four new chief country 
representatives, including in Kenya

Intellectual and Human Capital

New graduate hires

58

Mid-career hires

24

Technical personnel

71

Sea-based employees

434

Social and Relationship Capital

Participation in the World Economic 
Forum (Davos Forum)

Commencement of improvement of 
initiatives for chartered vessel owners

Natural Capital

CO2 emissions reduction

-1,025,000 tons

(Scope 1, compared with pre-pandemic level)

•  Initiatives to restore the natural 

environment in Mauritius (→page 53)

•  Launch of a blue carbon project 

(→page 38)

Realization of 
the MOL Group 
Vision

Achievement of  
the fiscal 2027  
management  
indicators  
established in 
Rolling Plan 2022

Ordinary profit

¥200.0 billion

ROE 

9.0–10.0%

Achievement of  
targets established 
in the MOL 
Sustainability Plan

10 MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  

11

MOL REPORT 2022Review of the Management Plans 
—Achievements since Introducing the Rolling Plan

 Progress since Introducing the Rolling Plan  
In fiscal 2017, we stopped using medium-term management 

2027 profit targets was within sight, and we realized the portfo-

plans, replacing them with a rolling management plan. First, 

lio reform and stronger market resilience initially sought. As 

we set out a 10-Year Vision. We then created a plan by back-

such, we have decided that Rolling Plan 2022 will be the last 

casting from this vision and revised the plan by checking prog-

management plan focused on the fiscal 2027 targets. By the 

ress each year. By fiscal 2021, after revising the plan in this way 

beginning of fiscal 2023, we will prepare a new management 

five times, we achieved the financial strength targets that were 

plan targeting a vision for fiscal 2035.

set for fiscal 2027. Moreover, the prospect of reaching the fiscal 

Targets When the Rolling Plan Was 
Introduced (Rolling Plan 2017)

Fiscal 2021 Results

Fiscal 2027 Targets in  
Rolling Plan 2022

Ordinary profit  
(medium term)

Ordinary profit  
(fiscal 2027) 

ROE  
(medium term)

Net gearing ratio  
(medium term)

Net gearing ratio  
(long term)

¥80.0 billion–¥100.0 billion

¥150.0 billion–¥200.0 billion

8.0–12.0%

 2.0 times

1.0 time

¥721.7 billion

76.5%

0.71 time

Concluded that achievement of  
fiscal 2027 profit targets likely

¥200.0 billion

9.0–10.0%

<1.0 time

 Rolling Plan 2022—A Bridge to the Next Management Plan  
Strong performances in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021 have mark-

have decided to spend fiscal 2022 formulating a robust man-

management options. In addition, we must meet society’s 

which reflects new realities. In the meantime, we will continue 

ever-increasing expectations of companies in relation to decar-

fiscal 2021’s forward-looking measures and integrate them 

bonization and other issues. Under these circumstances, we 

with the initiatives of the new plan.

Management 
Plan

Initiatives for 
Sustainability 
Issues

Portfolio Strategy

Environmental 
Strategy

Regional Strategy

Digital 
 Transformation 
(DX)

Enhancement of 
Organizational 
Strength

Key Components of the Management Plan

Rolling Plan

2021

Tender offers 
for DAIBIRU  
and Utoc

Establishment 
of  
MOL Drybulk

Rolling Plan

2022

MOL Sustainability 
Plan

Focusing on 
non-shipping 
businesses as 
well

MOL Group 
Environmental 
Vision 2.1

Creating a new 
model in India  
for business 
advancement in 
priority regions 
and introducing  
the model to  
other regions

Preparing  
a DX vision

Formulating  
a medium- to 
long-term 
human 
resource plan

Next Management Plan

Plan with fiscal 2035 (in approximately 10 years) as a new target year

edly improved MOL’s financial position, investment capacity, and 

agement plan that is not an extension of our previous plan and 

(¥ billion)

Achievements since Introducing the Rolling Plan 

Revenues / Ordinary Profit

 Gearing Ratio / Net Gearing Ratio / 
Equity Ratio

Profit (Loss) Attributable to Owners of Parent per Share / 
Cash Dividends per Share / Dividend Payout Ratio

Fiscal 2021

Ordinary Profit 

¥721.7 billion

End of fiscal 2021

Equity Ratio 

Fiscal 2021

47.4%

Cash Dividends per Share  ¥400.00

18/3

19/3

20/3

21/3

22/3

0

–200

18/3

19/3

20/3

21/3

22/3

(¥ billion) 

2,000

(¥ billion)

(Times) 

721.7

800

2.50

1,500

1,000

500

0

1,269.3

18/3

19/3

20/3

21/3

22/3

240

160

80

0

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

0

 Revenues (left)
 Ordinary profit (right)

 Gearing ratio (left)
 Net gearing ratio (left)
 Equity ratio (right)

Cash Flows

Fiscal 2021

Free Cash Flow 

¥200.1 billion

 ROA / ROE

Fiscal 2021

ROE 

350

100

0

–100

–200

Includes investment in
establishment of ONE

307.6

200.1

–107.4

18/3

19/3

20/3

21/3

22/3

(%) 

80

40

30

20

10

0

–10

18/3

19/3

20/3

21/3

22/3

 Cash flows from operating activities
 Cash flows from investing activities
 Free cash flow

 ROA (Based on ordinary profit)
 ROE

Ordinary Profit (Loss) by Business Segment

47.4

(%)

50

40

30

0.78

20

0.71

10

(¥) 

2,500

400

200

0

1,970.16

400

20.3

(%)

60

40

20

0

 Profit (loss) attributable to owners of parent per share (left)
  Cash dividends per share applicable to the year (left)
 Dividend payout ratio (right)

Note:  Figures have been calculated based on the numbers of 

shares following a stock consolidation executed on October 
1, 2017, and a stock split executed on April 1, 2022.

Credit Ratings

As of March 31, 2022

76.5%

JCR 

A (Stable)

R&I  R&I Credit Rating (Issuer Rating) 

76.5

30.2

AAA
+

AA

-
+

A

-
+
BBB
-
+

BB

-

MOL: A- (Stable)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

JCR  JCR Credit Rating (Long-Term Issuer Rating)

AAA
+

AA

-
+

A

-
+
BBB
-
+

BB

-

MOL: A (Stable)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

133.6

5.4

102.6

29.7
-4.2

721.7

662.9

19.8

43.2

-4.4

31.4

8.7
13.6
15.4
-6.3

38.5

7.7
21.1
21.9
-12.2

55.0

10.8
6.7
25.4
12.0

18/3

19/3

20/3

21/3

22/3

(¥ billion) 

800

150

100

50

0

-50

12

13

  Dry Bulk Business 

 Energy and Offshore Transport Business 

   Product Transport Business 

   Associated businesses / Others / Adjustment

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolling Plan 2022

 Theme and the Three Growth Strategies of Rolling Plan 2022  
Under the theme of “Integrating the MOL Group’s strengths to 

Under the Environmental Strategy, we will accelerate the 

 Rolling Plan 2022: Investment Plan  
Given our increased investment capacity, between fiscal 2022 and 

2024 from the prior ¥200.0 billion between fiscal 2021 to fiscal 

achieve growth globally,” Rolling Plan 2022 sets out three 

initiatives set forth in MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1. 

fiscal 2024 in terms of cash outflows, we plan to invest ¥1.0 trillion, 

2023 in Rolling Plan 2021, we will explore M&A opportunities, 

growth strategies—Portfolio, Environmental, and Regional. 

Meanwhile, the Regional Strategy will involve establishing a 

which includes ¥730.0 billion of newly earmarked investments.

particularly among the non-shipping businesses in line with our 

The Portfolio Strategy calls for strengthening of non-shipping 

stronger presence in priority countries and regions by adopt-

As well as significantly increasing our three-year environ-

three growth strategies.

businesses to improve the stability of the Group’s profits. 

ing an “India model” (→pages 16 to 21).

mental investment to ¥530.0 billion between fiscal 2022 to fiscal 

Rolling Plan 2020

Rolling Plan 2021

Rolling Plan 2022

Returning to a growth trajectory

Solidifying the foundations of growth 
based on an environmental strategy

Integrating the MOL Group’s strengths 
to achieve growth globally

Supported by an improved financial position, we will step up investment with the aim of investing 
¥1.9 trillion*1 between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2027, including new investment of ¥1.6 trillion.

Portfolio 
Strategy

Strengthen non-shipping 
businesses, including the 
offshore, offshore wind 
power generation-related, 
logistics, and real property 
businesses

Environmental 
Strategy

Accelerate environmental 
investment while 
 continuing the initiatives 
set out in MOL Group 
Environmental Vision 2.1

Regional 
Strategy

Acquire large-scale 
projects not limited to 
transport and with a 
focus on Asia by demon-
strating the MOL Group’s 
collective strength

*1 Cumulative amount of investment cash outflows for the six years from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2027

 Initiatives Based on Both Rolling Plan 2022 and the MOL Sustainability Plan  
In fiscal 2022, we reorganized existing initiatives for 

businesses, we prepared the chart below to clearly delineate 

Breakdown of Investment from Fiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2024 

(¥ billion)

Investments 
Determined as of 
March 31, 2022

New Investments 
Planned for 
FY2022–FY2024

Environmental Investment

170.0

360.0

Expected Internal 
Rate of Return

Details

Subtotal

530.0

 Of which, introduction of 
vessels that use alternative 
fuels

 Of which, expansion of low- 
and zero-emission energy 
businesses

Business Expansion, Asset 
Augmentation, and M&As

Total Investment

90.0

245.0

335.0

 5.0%

80.0

115.0

195.0

>5.0%

100.0

270.0

370.0

730.0

470.0

>8.0%

1,000.0

•  LNG-fueled dry bulkers, LNG-fueled 

car carriers, etc.

•  Vessels that use next-generation fuels 

(development and ordering) 

•  New LNG carriers, LPG carriers, 

ammonia carriers, etc.

•  Offshore wind power generation and 

related businesses

•  Investment in Group companies
•  Replacement of existing fleet

 Rolling Plan 2022: Profit Plan and Cash Flow Forecast  
Against the backdrop of a booming containership market, in 

to ¥145.0 billion range from fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2024. 

fiscal 2022 we are expecting a high level of ordinary profit, 

Thereafter, we will realize recurring profit of ¥200.0 billion by 

second only to that of fiscal 2021. At the end of July 2022, we 

fiscal 2027, based mainly on growth in the LNG carrier, off-

upwardly revised the ordinary profit forecast to ¥710.0 billion, 

shore, car carrier, and real property businesses coupled with a 

compared with a forecast of ¥525.0 billion issued at the end of 

recovery in the containership business. In addition, we will seek 

Sustainability Issues (Materiality) to formulate the MOL 

the relationships between the MOL Sustainability Plan and 

April 2022. However, given the anticipated normalization of 

an overall balance between investing cash flows and operating 

Sustainability Plan—a more concrete plan that specifies KPIs 

Rolling Plan 2022. The MOL Group will promote both plans  

logistics as well as the delivery of a large number of new con-

cash flows, thereby exercising financial discipline even while 

and action plans (→page 40). In addition, to emphasize our 

in tandem.

commitment to addressing social issues through our 

n
a
l
P
y
t
i
l
i
b
a
n
a
t
s
u
S
L
O
M

i

Safety & Value 

 P42

Provide added value through 
safe transportation and our 
social infrastructure business

Creating value and 
growing as a com-
pany that helps 
address social issues

Environment

 P46

Conservation for marine and 
global environment

MOL Group 
Environmental 
Vision 2.1

Human & Community

 P50

Contributing to the growth 
and development of people 
and communities

Innovation

 P54

Innovation for development in 
marine technology

Governance

 P58

Governance and compliance 
to support businesses

Profit, Investment, and Financial Plan

Environmental 
Strategy

Focusing on 
non-shipping 
businesses 
as well

Portfolio 
Strategy

Regional 
Strategy

Enhancing organiza-
tional strength  
and advancing  
work-style reforms

DX

Advancing  
sales activities 
based on  
the Regional 
Strategy

Organizational 
strength: 
Medium- to 
long-term human 
resource plan
Safety:  
Crew training plan

2
2
0
2
n
a
l
P
g
n
i
l
l
o
R

Adding DX as a foundation that enables the three strate-
gies, enhances organizational strength, and promotes 
work-style reforms

Governance: Revision of Basic Policy

tainerships, we are targeting ordinary profit in the ¥140.0 billion 

actively investing (→page 24).

FY2021 Actual*2

FY2022 Forecast

FY2023 Forecast

FY2024 Forecast

FY2027 Target

(¥ billion)

Profit Targets

Ordinary profit

Dry Bulk Business 

Energy Business 

 Product Transport & 
Real Property Business 

Associated Businesses

 Others and adjustments 
(corporate and eliminations)

ROE (%)

Cash Flows

Cash flows from operating 
activities

Cash flows from investing 
activities

Of which, investment

 Asset disposal and 
liquidation

721.7

43.2

19.8

672.9

-2.3

-11.8

76.5

307.6

107.4

Free cash flow

200.1

Financial Target (Fiscal year-end)

525.0
(As of announcement on 
April 30, 2022) 

140.0

145.0

30.0

22.0

477.0

-0.5

-3.5

35.0

32.0

41.0

70.0

0

-3.0

24.0

48.0

75.5

0.5

-3.0

7–8

200.0

24.0

63.0

113.0

4.0

-4.0

9–10

FY2022–FY2024 
Cumulative

FY2022–FY2027 
Cumulative

820.0

880.0

1,000.0

-120.0

-60.0

1,570.0

1,630.0

1,930.0

-300.0

-60.0

Net gearing ratio (Times) 

0.71

—

—

0.8

<1.00

*2 Fiscal 2021 results by segment have been converted to reflect business headquarters as of fiscal 2022.

14

15

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolling Plan 2022

Portfolio Strategy

  Transforming into a more stable profit structure by expanding 

non-shipping businesses whose profits and losses fluctuate 

depending on factors different from those of the shipping market

  Portfolio Strategy—Basic Aims

Under Rolling Plan 2022, in addition to advancing our  

As for alternative energy sources such as hydrogen and 

traditional core shipping business, we aim to strengthen  

ammonia, we will not only develop businesses targeting future 

non-shipping businesses and grow their profits from the fiscal 

transport demand but also explore investment opportunities 

2021 level of approximately ¥14.0 billion to between ¥60.0 

upstream in the supply chain, thereby achieving multifaceted 

billion and ¥80.0 billion by fiscal 2035. By strengthening busi-

expansion of our portfolio.

ness fields with market characteristics that differ from the 

Also, we aim to strengthen the structural resilience of the 

volatility of the shipping market, the MOL Group will diversify 

shipping business even further so that it generates stable 

its portfolio and accumulate stable profits.

profits while minimizing the impact of market conditions.  

The real property business and the logistics business were 

To this end, we will achieve an appropriate balance between 

bolstered by the inclusion of DAIBIRU CORPORATION and Utoc 

highly volatile businesses—such as the dry bulk, car carrier, 

Corporation in the MOL Group as wholly owned subsidiaries in 

and containership businesses—and businesses with stable 

fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively. 

earnings and high market resilience such as the LNG carrier 

The Group will give both subsidiaries central roles in its  

business.

non-shipping businesses, which the Group will expand by 

In accordance with our investment plan, we will achieve 

utilizing management resources even more effectively. In  

targets through continued aggressive investment in  

the offshore business, the Group will step up investment in  

non-shipping business fields. As part of these initiatives,  

non-transport businesses that it has been advancing for some 

the MOL Group will invest at least ¥100.0 billion in the real 

time, such as FSRUs, LNG-to-Powerships, and Carbon 

property business between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2024. The 

Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Meanwhile, the 

Group will further capitalize on its global network to augment 

offshore wind power generation business and related busi-

DAIBIRU’s overseas business development. At the same time, 

nesses are proactively marketing in Japan and overseas to 

the shipping business will proactively invest, including invest-

capture demand related to the trend toward decarbonization. 

ment to introduce vessels that use alternative fuels.

Shipping

Non-Shipping

Fiscal 2021 
Achievements

•  Steadily advanced investments in LNG carriers, 

LPG carriers, and ammonia carriers, which belong 
to low-carbon businesses

•  Decided to invest in Waterfront Shipping Limited,  
a shipping subsidiary of Methanex Corporation, 
which is the world’s leading producer of methanol

•  Concluded our first contract for investment in an 

offshore wind power generation project

•  Implemented tender offers for DAIBIRU and Utoc 
as investments in the real property business and 
logistics business, respectively

Fiscal 2022 Strategy

•  Continue pursuing investment opportunities not 

only in relation to transport demand for alternative 
energy stemming from the trend toward low-
carbon and decarbonization initiatives but also in 
the upstream fields of alternative energy supply 
chains

•  Continue to invest aggressively in the offshore, 

offshore wind power generation, logistics, and real 
property businesses, with new investment of at 
least ¥100.0 billion in the real property business

  Examples of Initiatives

Tender Offers for DAIBIRU and Utoc and the Introduction of Group Executive Officers
On November 30, 2021, MOL announced tender offers for 

position of Group executive officer, which is a Head Office 

DAIBIRU and Utoc, and both companies had become wholly 

executive officer position. The Group companies in question 

owned subsidiaries by April 2022. While both companies have 

are DAIBIRU, Utoc, MOL Drybulk Ltd., MOL Chemical Tankers 

been members of the MOL Group for many years, they were 

Pte. Ltd., and MOL Information Systems, Ltd. By placing these 

also listed in the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 

Group companies on the same level as the Head Office sales 

Consequently, their positions in the MOL Group’s management 

divisions, the new system will enable prompt decision- making, 

strategy have been somewhat marginal until now. Making both 

thereby strengthening the management of the Group.

companies wholly owned subsidiaries will enable the Group to 

In addition to the aforementioned Group executive officer 

optimize the allocation of management resources in line with 

system, the MOL Group will take wide-ranging measures to 

its management strategy. In addition, DAIBIRU and Utoc will  

strengthen its business management. For example, the Group 

be able to grow globally by capitalizing on the networks of the 

will increase the organic links between its management strat-

Group and capturing the latent needs of its customers.

egies and those of Group companies to facilitate cohesive 

In April 2022, a new system was introduced that appoints 

Groupwide drives toward the targets of Rolling Plan 2022  

the presidents of the Group’s five core companies to the 

and the MOL Sustainability Plan.

Concerted Initiative Focused on Offshore Wind Power Generation-Related Businesses
The supply chain for offshore wind power generation, which is 

in Akita Prefecture. In Taiwan, we are engaged in a business 

attracting attention as a promising alternative power source 

that charters out special-purpose service operation vessels 

that can support decarbonization efforts, comprises many 

(SOVs)*2 used in the maintenance of wind turbines. Other 

fields where the MOL Group can leverage its experience in 

initiatives being realized by Group companies include the 

marine transport and offshore businesses. Specific fields 

provision of Japan’s first crew training program to use a 

include the transport of materials and equipment, power-

dynamic positioning system*3 simulator, the rollout of a ser-

cable laying, wind turbine installation, power generation, 

vice that trains non-Japanese maintenance technicians, and 

equipment maintenance, and personnel recruitment and 

preparation for participation in a power transmission cable-

training. As for the offshore wind power generation business, 

laying business.

which is the core of the supply chain, we began investing and 

Although all in their early stages at this point, the afore-

participating in and dispatched a director to a working off-

mentioned initiatives will become the businesses that give 

shore wind power generation project in Taiwan in 2021. The 

concrete form to our Portfolio and Environmental strategies. 

aim of our foray into this segment of the supply chain is to 

For this reason, the MOL Group will advance a concerted 

rapidly acquire knowledge of the overall operational manage-

effort to develop these fledgling businesses into mainstays 

ment and profit structures of the offshore wind power genera-

that help realize the fiscal 2035 targets set out for non- 

tion business that we can use in further development going 

shipping fields in Rolling Plan 2022.

forward. In addition, we have already established a joint ven-

ture with a major partner in Japan with a view to participation 

in power generation projects.

In peripheral fields, we have acquired a stake in a com-

pany that operates five self-elevating platform (SEP) ves-

sels,*1 which install power generation equipment. The 

company is currently involved in work off the coast of Noshiro 

*1  SEP vessels are special vessels that extend four legs to the seabed to enable 

the conduct of installation work for wind power generation equipment in stable 
conditions.

*2  SOVs have extensive accommodation for maintenance technicians working on 

the multiple wind turbines that make up an offshore wind farm, allowing 
technicians to stay on-site for extended periods.

*3  Dynamic positioning systems automatically calculate external forces such as 
wind, wave, swell, and tidal currents to maintain a vessel at a fixed point or 
navigate a set route with precision. These systems are indispensable for vessels 
that exactly maintain their position at fixed points, such as cable-laying ships, 
offshore wind power-related special-purpose vessels, and seabed oil field-
related offshore vessels.

Main Initiatives

 Power-cable laying
Operation of cable-laying 
ships capable of laying 
power transmission lines

Photo courtesy of Kokusai 
Cable Ship Co., Ltd.

  Maintenance

First company in Asia to 
own and charter out SOVs 
for the maintenance of 
offshore wind turbines

  Installation of power 
generation equipment
Acquisition of a stake in  
a company that operates 
five SEP vessels, which 
are used for the installa-
tion of offshore power 
generation equipment

  Crew training

Ownership of a dynamic 
positioning system 
simulator and provision  
of advanced training for 
crews

Photo courtesy of MOL 
Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd.

 Power generation

Participation in a company 
that operates a fixed-bottom 
offshore wind farm off the 
northwest coast of Taiwan 
with a capacity of 128 MW

  Non-Japanese person-
nel training and 
employment 

Planning to launch a business 
in the Philippines that utilizes 
our expertise in crew 
member training to develop 
non-Japanese personnel to 
work in the field of offshore 
wind power generation

16

17

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolling Plan 2022

Environmental Strategy

   In line with MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1, tackle industry-

leading decarbonization initiatives and seize new business 

opportunities in the alternative energy field

The naming and launching ceremony of the ASAHI, the world’s first pure battery tanker

  Environmental Strategy—Basic Aims

Formulated in June 2021, MOL Group Environmental Vision 

position since fiscal 2020 to systematically develop our fleet. 

2.1 establishes three medium- to long-term targets: deploy 

For the time being, the majority of our newbuild orders will  

net zero emissions oceangoing vessels in the 2020s; reduce 

be for LNG-fueled vessels. However, given that ammonia is 

GHG emissions intensity by approximately 45.0% by 2035 

expected to be used as a next-generation fuel, the Company 

(compared with 2019); and achieve net zero GHG emissions 

will participate in the technological development of ammonia-

for the entire Group by 2050. To achieve these targets, the 

fueled vessels and actively work toward the early introduction 

Group is steadily implementing various initiatives. Of the 

of such vessels and expansion of the fleet.

cumulative total investment of ¥1.0 trillion projected for the 

As well as fuel conversion, we will work on multiple fronts 

three-year period from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2024 under Rolling 

to realize a GHG emission reduction road map. Depending  

Plan 2022, ¥530.0 billion has been earmarked for investments 

on the characteristics of each vessel type, we will introduce 

in vessels that use alternative fuels as well as in low-carbon 

energy-saving technologies that use wind as propulsion, such 

and decarbonization initiatives. These investments represent 

as the Wind Challenger hard sail system (→page 56) and 

increases in terms of both scale and share compared with 

Rotor Sail, and other energy-saving devices.

Rolling Plan 2021, which called for the allocation to low-

  Worldwide, the Group’s low- and zero-emission energy 

carbon and decarbonization initiatives of ¥205.0 billion relative 

businesses will contribute to society’s low-carbon and decar-

to a total investment of ¥450.0 billion.

bonization initiatives. At the same time, these businesses will 

  We will proactively invest to introduce vessels that use 

compensate for the decline in demand for the transport of oil 

alternative fuels and achieve the medium- to long-term goals 

and coal by expanding the Group’s fleet of LNG and ammonia 

of MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1. Issues remain to be 

carriers, which are likely to see growth in transport demand, 

addressed, such as how to overcome the combined impact  

and by moving forward with investments in the offshore wind 

of a hike in shipbuilding costs—which is accompanying the 

power generation business and in peripheral fields.

current increases in the prices of steel and other materials—

Lowering carbon and decarbonization is a common global 

and the additional costs associated with the introduction of 

challenge as well as a challenge for customers with whom we 

vessels that use alternative fuels. Nonetheless, we will take 

have built long-standing relationships. By becoming a solution 

advantage of the significant improvement in our financial 

provider and partner, we will capture new business opportunities.

Introduction of Vessels That Use Alternative Fuels

Expansion of Low- and  
Zero-Emission Energy Businesses

Announced MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1

Fiscal 2021 
Achievements

•   Prepared a GHG emission reduction road map
•   Introduced internal carbon pricing (ICP) for deci-

•   Steadily invested in LNG carriers, LPG carriers, 

sions on new investments

and ammonia carriers

•   Ordered seven new LNG-fueled vessels

Fiscal 2022 Strategy

•   Continue placing orders for new LNG-fueled ves-

sels despite the current upward trend in shipbuild-
ing costs

•   Begin using a plan-do-check-act cycle to achieve 
a GHG emission intensity reduction target of 1.4% 
per year in the period through 2030

•   Continue investing in LNG carriers, LPG carriers, 

ammonia carriers, and offshore wind power 
 generation-related businesses

•   Develop ammonia-fueled ammonia carriers

For details on initiatives related to the Environmental Strategy, please see “Conservation for 
Marine and Global Environment” (→pages 46 to 49).

  Examples of Initiatives

Introduction of ICP
In fiscal 2021, MOL began the use of ICP as a means of advanc-

ing a transition plan based on MOL Group Environmental 

Examples of ICP Use
ICP has been used in investment projects such as LNG-fueled 

Vision 2.1. In anticipation of future carbon taxes, emissions 

vessels and the Wind Challenger hard sail system and had a 

trading, and other charges, fixed monetary amounts per ton of 

positive effect on decision-making. While low-carbon and 

CO2 emissions are set as internal carbon prices, which are 

decarbonization initiatives usually incur additional costs, ICP 

used as economic indicators when making investment deci-

shortens envisioned return on investment periods by convert-

sions (CO2 cost: US$60 per ton from 2023 to 2039 and US$140 

ing CO2 emission reductions into monetary benefits, thereby 

per ton beginning from 2040). Required to be applied to all 

encouraging investment.

investment projects related to the oceangoing marine trans-

port business, the internal carbon prices have already been 

used in decisions on and in the practical management of more 

than 10 investments since the introduction of this system.

Realization of a 5.0% Reduction in Fuel Consumption by the End of 2024 through Operating Efficiency
In April 2022, the Environment & Sustainability Strategy 

installation of energy-saving equipment, and propeller 

Division formed a dedicated team that is tasked with further 

 replacement. In all of the aforementioned initiatives, the key 

enhancing operating efficiency and comprises personnel with 

will be the visualization and utilization of vast amounts of data 

experience in ship operations, technical personnel, and sea-

from respective operating vessels, which is being conducted by 

based employees.

the FOCUS project (→page 56).

Through collaboration with Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui 

  We have already begun this initiative for approximately 

Zosen) Inc. and MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd., and the utilization of 

180 operating vessels, and we plan to extend it to cover 500 

EcoMOL Inc., which was established in the Philippines in May 

operating vessels. Serving as the nucleus of the initiative, the 

2022, MOL is aiming for a total improvement in fuel efficiency of 

dedicated team will coordinate with related parties to reduce 

5.0%. We will achieve 3.0% of this improvement through mea-

GHG emissions and operating costs by beginning with the 

sures for intangible aspects of operational practices, mainly 

advancement of fuel consumption reduction measures that 

focused on realizing rigorously efficient operations through the 

will be immediately beneficial.

optimization of routing and power output. The remaining 2.0% 

will be realized through hardware-related measures, including 

the use of low-friction hull paint, effective hull maintenance, 

Ammonia, Hydrogen, and Methanation Initiatives
While promoting the introduction of LNG-fueled vessels as a feasible means of lowering GHG emissions right now, we are conducting 

extensive studies on ammonia, hydrogen, and other promising candidates for the decarbonized fuels of the future.

LNG

Batteries

Advantage     •  Existing onshore infrastruc-
ture usable

Challenges   •  Methane slip 

countermeasures

•  Development of fuel supply 

infrastructure

MOL’s main initiatives
•  Service commencement of an 
LNG-fueled tugboat and LNG-
bunkering vessels

•  LNG-fueled ferry under 

construction

•  LNG-fueled oceangoing vessels 

already ordered

Liquefied Synthetic Methane

Advantage    •   LNG infrastructure usable

Challenges   •   Methane slip 

countermeasures

•   Improvement of synthetic 

methane production 
efficiency

MOL’s main initiatives
•  Methanation project
•  Active involvement in carbon 

capture and utilization/storage 
projects

Methanol and Synthetic Methanol

Advantage     •  Existing onshore infrastruc-
ture usable

MOL’s main initiative
•  Active involvement in the  

Advantages   •  Already in practical use on 
small vessels

Challenge 

•  No onboard CO2 emissions
 •  Increasing capacities and 
reducing the weight and 
size of batteries

MOL’s main initiatives
•  Completion of an electric tanker
•  Considering development for 

commercial oceangoing vessels

Ammonia

Advantages    •  No onboard CO2 emissions

•  MOL’s proven track record in 

the marine transport of 
ammonia

Challenges   •  Establishment of fuel 
supply infrastructure
 •  Countermeasures for 

nitrous oxide (N2O) and 
toxicity

MOL’s main initiatives
•  Exploring upstream investments
•  Participation in a study of the fuel 

supply business in Singapore

•  Considering securing an ammonia-
fueled engine and then launching 
inaugural vessel in the mid-2020s

Liquefied Hydrogen

Advantage     •  No onboard CO2 emissions

MOL’s main initiatives
•  Participation in a study of the fuel 

supply business in Singapore

•  Considering the launch of inaugu-

ral vessel in the 2020s

Challenges   •  Toxicity countermeasures
•  Improvement of synthetic 

efficiency

Biodiesel

methanol-fueled methanol tanker 
business

Challenge 

Advantages    •  Already commercialized as a 

vessel fuel

MOL’s main initiative
•  Advancement of preparations for 

Challenge 

• Existing facilities usable
 •  Increasing supply capacity

regular use

 •  Engine development,  
fuel cell improvement, 
measures for ultra-low 
temperatures, and 
 establishment of fuel 
supply infrastructure

18

19

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolling Plan 2022

Regional Strategy

  Focusing on Asia but without being limited to transport, take 

advantage of the MOL Group’s collective strength to acquire 

large-scale projects

The product tanker LILAC VICTORIA, which began providing India-based services for 
Indian customers in fiscal 2022

  Regional Strategy—Basic Aims

Having positioned the Regional Strategy as one of its core 

business divisions. Focusing on India, we will use these capa-

growth strategies since the preparation of Rolling Plan 2021, 

bilities to acquire large-scale projects in South Asia and the 

the MOL Group has sought to acquire large-scale projects  

Middle East.

by taking advantage of its collective strength and focused  

The Group has also strengthened its global network in 

on Asia, without being limited to transport. The goal is to 

countries and regions other than India. In 2016, we introduced 

increase business opportunities by developing Group company 

a system of chief country / regional representatives, who are 

businesses as well as new businesses through the utilization 

now working in 25 countries and regions. Further, to support 

of relationships that MOL has built with customers, partners, 

new initiatives in each country and region, the Head Office’s 

and other stakeholders around the world.

Corporate Marketing Division has been playing a central role 

In fiscal 2021, we identified Asia—where growth is 

in the implementation of the “lead sprints” system (→page 

expected—as the most important region for us. In particular, 

21) since fiscal 2021. This system is enabling us to expedite 

we actively developed businesses in India, focusing on the 

decision-making and thereby cater appropriately to customer 

energy field. Given that Asia is integral to the advancement of 

needs in each country and region.

our Regional Strategy, we further strengthened our business 

In the same way that we identified India as a priority 

execution capabilities in the region in fiscal 2022. Based on a 

country, we will select additional priority countries and 

west–east division of the region comprising Asia, the Middle 

regions, which will then become focuses of our Regional 

East, and Oceania, we have established new executive officer 

Strategy going forward. In selecting countries and regions, we 

positions dedicated to the promotion of sales in East Asia, 

will comprehensively consider growth potential and market 

Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the South Asia–Middle East 

size in light of macroeconomic indicators as well as the his-

region, respectively. To the latter region, we have appointed 

torical foundations that we have built up over many years.

Ajay Singh, a managing executive officer who is well versed  

Our investment plan establishes cumulative M&A budgets 

in local conditions.

of ¥100.0 billion for fiscal 2022 through fiscal 2024 and ¥300.0 

Under the strong leadership of regional executive officers, 

billion for fiscal 2022 through fiscal 2027. Accordingly, we will 

we will accurately grasp changing customer needs and estab-

actively utilize M&As as a means of expanding businesses  

lish capabilities for offering solutions based on organic col-

in regions.

laboration among local sales bases, Group companies, and 

  Examples of Initiatives

India Model: Supporting the Regional Strategy
Coordination among the regional executive officer, chief country representatives, and the Corporate Marketing Division 
In 2015, with the aim of accurately catering to customer 

customers. These achievements are an example of realizing 

needs, at four bases worldwide we established chief executive 

new business by discovering customer needs through the 

representatives who oversee regions. Since then, we have 

initiative of a local office and by providing support from a Head 

been strengthening Groupwide intra-regional collaboration. In 

Office sales division.

2016, we introduced chief country / regional representatives 

Under Rolling Plan 2022, we have further strengthened 

to countries where we wanted to concentrate sales efforts and 

such efforts by introducing a system whereby the Head Office 

then began offering comprehensive transport solutions that 

and the regional base work in tandem to advance respective 

reflected the circumstances in each country and region. Also, 

businesses in India. For each business, a joint task force is 

in fiscal 2021 we appointed chief country representatives in 

established by the Head Office sales divisions and the regional 

the United States, Russia, the Netherlands, and Kenya.

executive officer / chief executive representative of South Asia 

In addition, in order to support the development of new 

and the Middle East region.

businesses in each region, through the “lead sprints” system, 

Until now, each Head Office sales division has had its own 

we encourage the use of not only the existing customer net-

overseas bases and conducted sales and business activities 

works of the Head Office sales divisions but also the newly 

on a divisional basis. In India, however, the provision of infor-

established networks that have been built by the chief execu-

mation on each business in the country is focused on the 

tive representatives and chief country / regional representa-

regional executive officer / chief executive representative, who 

tives. In this way, we support the multifaceted search for 

leads the Regional Strategy from a cross-business viewpoint. 

potential opportunities that match the Regional Strategy 

This “India model” is an experimental initiative for us. 

outlined in Rolling Plan 2021 and Rolling Plan 2022.

Through a process of trial and error, we will create better 

In Rolling Plan 2021, the Regional Strategy identified Asia 

systems that suit both sales divisions and regional bases.

as the Group’s highest priority region. Accordingly, placing 

If the India model proves successful, we plan to introduce 

particular emphasis on developing businesses in India, we 

it to other priority countries and regions.

won new contracts for VLCCs and LPG carriers for Indian 

Existing Project Promotion System

 Submit for discussion 
and/or report

India Model

 Share information, consult, and make decisions
 Submit for discussion and/or report

Executive Committee

Executive Committee

Regional Executive 
Officer

Executive Officer 
in charge of Iron Ore & 
Coal Carrier Division

Executive Officer in 
charge of Car  
Carrier Division

Others…

Iron Ore & Coal 
Carrier Division

Car Carrier 
Division

Others…

Chief Executive 
Representative / 
Chief Country 
Representative

Introducing 
projects

Moderate  
information sharing

Iron Ore & Coal 
Carrier Division’s 
local subsidiary

Car Carrier 
Division’s local 
subsidiary

Other Division’s 
local subsidiary

Executive Officer in 
charge of Iron Ore & 
Coal Carrier Division

Regional Executive 
Officer

Executive Officer in 
charge of Car Carrier 
Division

Iron Ore & Coal 
Carrier Division

Chief Executive 
Representative / Chief 
Country Representative

Car Carrier Division

Iron Ore & Coal Carrier Division’s  
local subsidiary

Car Carrier Division’s local subsidiary

Iron Ore & Coal Carrier Task Force

Car Carrier Task Force

Projects Led by Head Office Business Divisions

Projects Initiated by Regional Sales Organizations

Note: The above diagram is a model, and the business divisions and task forces in the diagram have only been included as illustrative examples.

Fiscal 2021 
Achievements

•   Concluded contracts with customers in China for 

six new LNG carriers

•   Significantly increased shipments of electric 

 vehicles (EVs) from China to Europe

•   Introduced four vessels, namely Very Large Crude 
Carriers (VLCCs) and LPG carriers, for customers 
in India

•  Introduced the “lead sprints” system to expedite 

Head Office decision-making

•   Divide Asia into two regions, establish the position of regional executive officer / chief executive representa-
tive; appoint an employee who is from India and conversant with local conditions as the executive officer 
responsible for the South Asia–Middle East region

•   Use India as the model for building new collaborative capabilities between the Head Office and regional sales 

Fiscal 2022 Strategy

organizations (→page 21)

•   Laterally introduce initiatives from India to other target countries
•   Formulate and advance a Regional Strategy in Japan, focusing particular efforts on fields where there are 

overlaps with the Environmental Strategy

•   Appropriately adapt to changes in the Russia–Ukraine situation

The function of regional lines (regional executive officers / chief executive repre-

For respective projects, regional lines (regional executive officers / chief executive 

sentatives / chief country representatives) in the promotion of projects was limited 

representatives / chief country representatives) form task forces with respective 

to referrals to respective sales divisions. The prioritization of projects was also left 

sales divisions and related local subsidiaries, and projects are advanced jointly. 

to the discretion of the sales divisions.

Decisions to recommend projects are made under the leadership of the regional 

executive officer based on a Groupwide perspective.

“Lead Sprints” System
One of the key measures of the Regional Strategy initiated by 

are in line with management policies, even in a rapidly chang-

Rolling Plan 2021, the “lead sprints” system began operating 

ing business environment.

as a forum for accelerating discussions on the direction of 

In the first half of fiscal 2022, the executive officers, chief 

potential new projects. Separated from the existing bottom-up 

executive representatives, and chief country representatives 

decision-making process that begins from the Head Office 

in charge of North America, Europe and Africa, and Asia 

business divisions, the “lead sprints” system allows the senior 

discussed 40 potential target projects that were considered 

management team to monitor projects soon after they have 

promising by the officers and representatives in charge of 

begun deliberations and check the direction of initiatives. Our 

each region  from a Companywide perspective. The CEO and 

aim is to enable regional executives—namely, regional execu-

other members of the senior management team then joined 

tive officers / chief executive representatives and chief country 
representatives—to unerringly secure promising projects that 

the discussions and narrowed down the projects, selecting a 
list of 10 projects on which resource investment will focus.

20

21

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolling Plan 2022

Enhancement of Organizational Strength, Work-Style Reforms, and Safety

Digital Transformation (DX)

  Enhancement of Organizational Strength: Launch of a Human Resource Plan

  DX Vision Workshop

Rolling Plan 2022 calls on MOL to establish a new human 

Resources Division. This newly established division plans 

In the second half of fiscal 2022, we plan to announce the MOL 

of DX. Based on the new vision, the Group will step up the 

resource plan. As one of the pillars of the Company’s next 

human resource policies for the worldwide recruitment of 

DX Vision, which will establish a framework for our long-term 

pace of existing DX initiatives.

management plan, the new human resource plan will indicate 

sea-based employees, who fulfill a fundamental role in the 

DX strategy. To lay the foundations for this vision, in June 2022 

the basic strategies for measures aimed at strengthening the 

Group’s businesses by ensuring safe operation.

Group’s human resource base from a medium- to long-term 

  With a view to clarifying the wide range of needs in rela-

perspective.

tion to human resource policy and formulating a new human 

  We have already taken some human resource measures. 

resource plan, the Chief Human Resource Officer—a position 

In fiscal 2021, we reassigned 66 personnel to business fields 

that was created in April 2022—has been holding discussions 

such as the low-carbon and decarbonization fields, which are 

with domestic Group companies and the Head Office sales 

priority investment targets. Also, we increased the hiring  

divisions. Going forward, we will incorporate into the human 

of technical personnel and other experienced personnel, 

resource plan the appointment and promotion of personnel in 

we held a two-day workshop attended by 40 participants, 

including Executive Committee members up to the rank of 

CEO, and selected members from each division, the DX 

Co-Creation Unit, and external partners. We began by dis-

cussing the MOL Group’s long-term target profile based on 

the future vision of the Company and the industry. 

Backcasting from this profile, we then determined what is 

required of DX and prepared a draft of the MOL DX Vision 

recruiting 24 personnel in fiscal 2021.

accordance with the principle of the right person for the right 

accordingly. After conducting additional in-depth discussions 

A workshop tasked with preparing the MOL DX Vision

As for fiscal 2022, we are hiring more personnel to 

job, including employees working at Group companies and in 

manage proactive investment initiatives. In particular, we have 

overseas businesses. Other focuses of the plan will be the 

revised the frequency of our mid-career hiring, and began 

strengthening of support for career development so that 

recruiting experienced personnel year-round from fiscal 2022.

employees can fully realize their potential and the provision  

In the April 2022 reassignment of senior management 

of work-style options that cater to employees’ diverse needs.

team members, three non-Head Office personnel were 

By increasing its appeal to talented personnel and 

appointed as division general managers. One of these general 

increasing their engagement, the Group will achieve enhance-

managers is a non-Japanese employee from a MOL Group 

ment of organizational strength.

company who has been appointed to head the Global Maritime 

  Work-Style Reform

For details on work-style reform initiatives, please see “Work-Style Reforms Maximizing Job Satisfaction, 

 Employee-Friendliness, and Group Performance” (→page 51).

that involve a wide range of employees, we will formulate a 

final version of the vision, which will guide the advancement 

DX of Business 
Strategies

  Cater to customer needs by upgrading the data management of initiatives that are realizing the Portfolio, 
Environmental, and Regional strategies

DX of Work Styles

   Consolidate and make freely available information dispersed throughout the Group and further standardize 
and automate operations to improve productivity

DX of Organizations

  Further develop and deploy DX talent
  Improve service quality and cost competitiveness through the consolidation of organizations by function

  Safety

Corporate Governance

For details on safety initiatives, please see “Safety Levels” (→pages 43 to 44) and “Initiatives in Partnership with Chartered 

Vessel Owners” (→page 77).

Basic Strategies and Organizational Changes

Specific Initiatives

Fiscal 2021 
Achievements

•  Established and promoted MOL CHARTS
•  Established a diverse new management team*  
and created Group executive officer positions to 
strengthen Group management

•  Commercialized three projects that were proposed 
using the MOL Group Employee Proposal System
•  Continued in-house activities led by the WAKASHIO 

Accident Preventive Measure Task Force

Fiscal 2022 Strategy

•  Continue work-style reforms (promote telecommuting while preparing plans for office renovations based on  

a reevaluation of office work)

•  Add numerical targets to realize further diversity in the organization
•  Revise the entire Group’s medium- to long-term target profile as an organization and based on this establish 

a new human resource plan

•  Begin preparing a crew member training plan in anticipation of more vessels managed or assigned crew 

members by the Group

•  Conduct a Groupwide reform of initiatives for chartered vessel shipowners

*  Appointed one non-Japanese executive officer and one non-Japanese general manager and increased the number of female general managers (including an associate 

executive officer) at the Head Office from one to three

In conjunction with the initiatives focused on the Sustainability Issue of “Governance and Compliance to Support Businesses,” the 

MOL Group will continue tackling the enhancement of governance as a priority management task (→pages 58 to 77).

Basic Strategies and Organizational Changes

Specific Initiatives

Fiscal 2021 
Achievements

•  Established and convened four meetings of the 

Corporate Governance Council

•  Revised the executive director remuneration system

•  Established the Crisis Control Headquarters to 

implement crisis countermeasures

•  Submitted a report pursuant to Japan’s revised 

Corporate Governance Code

•  Implemented tender offers to resolve the issue of 

parent–subsidiary listings

Fiscal 2022 Strategy

•  Revise our Corporate Governance Policy
•  Review the Groupwide risk management frame-
work and establish a system that responds to 
increasing country risks more appropriately

•  Continue risk mapping
•  Introduce and utilize a risk assessment system

22

23

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
A Message from the CFO

We are committed to improving both 
our financial position and making  
the necessary investments for  
environmental initiatives and growth.

Hisashi Umemura 
Managing Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

 Fiscal 2021 Review

In fiscal 2021, ended March 31, 2022, MOL broke its net income 

Fiscal 2021 was also a year in which we used operating 

record for the first time since fiscal 2007 by posting profit 

cash flows of more than ¥300.0 billion, which included divi-

attributable to owners of parent of ¥708.8 billion. This perfor-

dends from the containership operating company Ocean 

mance was supported by high containership freight rates, a 

Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE), to implement a range of 

good dry bulker market particularly on small- and medium-

forward-looking investments in line with the strategies of our 

sized  vessels, and a recovery in car carrier cargo volume. 

management plan. We initiated tender offers for DAIBIRU 

These market conditions were brought about the global dis-

CORPORATION and Utoc Corporation with the aim of making 

ruption to supply chains triggered by the COVID-19  pandemic. 

them wholly owned subsidiaries and invested in LNG carriers 

While we are not happy about this situation, in fiscal 2021 we 

for which new contracts had been concluded. With respect to 

achieved the financial targets that we had been pursuing since 

shareholder returns, we were able to reward shareholders for 

the introduction of the Rolling Plan in fiscal 2017. These 

their long-standing support by paying a dividend of ¥1,200.00 

achievements included significant improvement in the equity 

per share (before the stock split).

ratio from 27.6% at the end of fiscal 2020 to 47.4%; the regain-

ing of an “A” crediting rating from R&I; and a net gearing ratio 

below 1.0 time.

Cash Flows
(¥ billion)

400

320

240

160

80

0

-80

-160

-240

98.3

-2.4

-100.8

2017

55.2

-143.0

-198.3*

2018

100.7

98.8

-6.5

-107.2

44.2

-54.6

307.6

200.1

-107.4

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

 Cash flows from operating activities 

 Cash flows from investing activities 

 Free cash flow

* Includes investment in establishment of ONE

24

 Investment Policy and Cash Allocation from Fiscal 2022 Onward

With the dramatic improvement in our financial position, as 

countries and regions, we must ensure that our financial base 

CFO I am very much aware of the significant responsibility  

will hold firm even if certain risk events actualize.

I bear in regard to the effective utilization of accumulated 

Conducting business management with an emphasis on 

shareholders’ equity to further enhance corporate value. 

financial discipline, for the time being we will set an upper 

Themed on “Integrating the MOL Group’s strengths to achieve 

limit of 1.0 time for the net gearing ratio, a level that was once 

growth globally,” Rolling Plan 2022 calls for corporate value 

our target. In addition, vessels chartered from shipowners, 

enhancement through the investment of ¥1.9 trillion between 

whose main business is the ownership of vessels, are integral 

fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2027 in order to increase future corpo-

to marine transport. For this reason, roughly 500 of the 

rate value. Through these investments, we will work to facili-

approximately 800 vessels in our fleet are chartered vessels. 

tate the stable achievement of ordinary profit of ¥200.0 billion 

Pursuant with Japan’s accounting standards, most chartered 

and return on equity (ROE) of 10.0%, which is above our per-

vessels are not recognized in our balance sheet. Nonetheless, 

ceived cost of capital. Moreover, the investments will curb the 

with the aim of further increasing transparency from the 

volatility that characterizes marine transport, which stems 

viewpoint of investors, we will take medium-term measures 

from exposure to cyclical market conditions.

to improve disclosure methods and other matters related to 

Specifically, we will invest in three main areas: the intro-

such chartered vessels.

duction of vessels that use alternative fuels; the expansion  

As for investment criteria, we employ a system that uses 

of low- and zero-emission energy businesses; and the expan-

past market performance as the basis for forecasting the 

sion of business range and assets including M&As. In all of 

maximum potential loss for each project. With respect to an 

these areas, we are advancing many projects that are either 

investment amount, cost of equity is applied to the maximum 

industry leading or one step beyond the existing business 

potential loss amount, and cost of debt is applied to the 

domain of our full-line marine transport. As they have been 

remaining amount (→page 27). The system prevents the 

selected with an eye on leveraging accumulated expertise and 

Company as a whole from taking on too much risk while 

experience as well as relationships with major partners, these 

ensuring each investment project has a certain spread over 

projects will provide significant opportunities for us to elevate 

the assumed amounts of equity and debt. Further, even with 

corporate value. On the other hand, given that such projects 

respect to chartered vessels for which the balance sheet is 

are in fields characterized by high levels of difficulty and 

not actually used, the system employs the same approach to 

uncertainty compared with our well-established businesses in 

apply an appropriate cost of capital to investments. By accu-

conventional marine transport and that we are tackling more 

mulating assets in accordance with this system, we ensure 

projects in India, Southeast Asia, and other emerging 

returns commensurate with the cost of capital.

Total Investment

  Environmental investment 

 Of which, introduction of vessels that use 
 alternative fuels

 Of which, expansion of low- and zero-emission 
energy businesses

  Business expansion, asset expansion, and M&As

Asset Disposal and Liquidation

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Free Cash Flow

Financial Target

 Net Gearing Ratio  
(at end of respective periods)

FY2022–FY2024 
Forecast

1,000

530

335

195

470

-120

880

820

-60

0.8

FY2025–FY2027 
Forecast

FY2022–FY2027 
Cumulative Total

(¥ billion)

930

—

—

—

—

-180

750

750

0

<1.0

1,930

—

—

—

—

-300

1,630

1,570

-60

—

(Times)

25

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Message from the CFO

 Approach to Shareholder Returns

As one of the world’s leading providers of marine transport 

the overall direction of business management has been estab-

and social infrastructure, we give first priority to the creation 

lished, we aim to spend fiscal 2022 preparing a new manage-

of additional economic and social value through the active 

ment plan that looks ahead to 2035. To this end, we will 

reinvestment of internal reserves. On the other hand, reward-

continue heightening the accuracy of our analysis of the long-

ing shareholders directly through dividends and other means 

term business environment in light of decarbonization trends 

is also important. Our profit plan issued at the beginning of 

and the increasingly complex current international situation. 

fiscal 2022 includes a dividend forecast based on a dividend 

Based on our conclusions, we will conduct a more-detailed 

payout ratio of 25.0%. While some investors have expressed 

examination of individual investment projects and the outlook 

appreciation of a raised dividend payout ratio when profits  

for capital requirements. Therefore, we would be extremely 

are expected to remain at fiscal 2021’s high level, others have 

grateful for a little more time to discuss shareholder returns 

expressed dissatisfaction because, despite an improved finan-

so that we can present a cohesive policy in this regard.

cial position, the Company has yet to reach the average divi-

In closing, I would like to ask our shareholders, investors, 

dend payout ratio of the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Prime 

and financial institutions for their continued support.

Market. In our view, we have entered a new phase. Although 

Approach to Cross-Shareholdings

MOL holds shares in other companies for the purpose of maintaining and strengthening relationships with companies 

with which it has close cooperative business relationships and for the purpose of enhancing the growth and corporate 

value of the Company over the medium to long term. Once a year, a detailed examination of each listed stock held by the 

Company is conducted with respect to the appropriateness of the reason for holding the shares and profitability in light of 

the cost of capital. If an adequate reason for holding the shares cannot be identified, the Company’s policy is to gradually 

reduce the holdings of said shares. The fiscal 2022 examination of 47 stocks, equivalent to approximately ¥56.0 billion, 

which were owned by the Company as of March 31, 2022, determined that a portion equivalent to approximately ¥8.0 bil-

lion was to be subject to reduction. The Company will proceed with the disposal of the shares while ascertaining the effect 

on the market and giving due consideration to relationships with other parties.

Cross-Shareholdings:  
Number and as a Percentage of Net Assets
(Stocks) 

Disposal of Cross-Shareholdings by Fiscal Year 

(%)

(¥ million)

190
(67)

15.1

185
(65)

14.3

173
(57)

8.0

166
(51)

8.8

200

150

100

50

0

20

15

10

5

0

163
(47)

4.7

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

 Number of stocks held (number of listed stocks in parentheses) (left)
 Cross-shareholdings as percentage of net assets (right) 

Note: Deemed shareholdings not included from fiscal 2019 onward

11,767

7,016

5,210

670

2017

936

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

26

Risk Management for Business Investments

In fiscal 2014, we introduced a management approach that we now call Asset Risk Control but which until recently we 

referred to as Total Risk Control. Based on this approach, we have avoided excessive investment while accumulating invest-

ment projects that promise to generate returns commensurate with the cost of capital.

1  Framework of Asset Risk Control

Asset Risk Control is a marine transport industry adapta-

every six months, and the results are compared with 

tion of the risk management methods widely used by 

shareholders’ equity, reported to the Board of Directors, 

financial institutions. Scenarios that envision stresses (low 

and audited. When Asset Risk Control was first introduced, 

freight rates, weak vessel sales & purchase market) are 

the framework was simple and mainly covered marine 

applied to the entire fleet at the same time and run for a 

transport market risk and vessel sales market risk. 

certain length of time to calculate maximum potential 

Subsequent revisions have broadened the scope of the 

losses. The risks are managed so that the total loss is not 

framework to include country risk, customer credit risk, 

excessive compared with shareholders’ equity. Basically, 

and Group company business risk, for a more appropriate 

this identifies the total exposure to risk taken based on the 

measurement of risk exposure.

standard criteria that all debt can be repaid if all owned 

vessels were to be sold. Under this framework, a Capesize 

bulker will be assessed as having low risk exposure if it 

has a long-term contract or a low book value (if owned) or 

charter rate (if chartered). Conversely, the same Capesize 

bulker will be assessed as having high risk exposure if it  

is subject to a short-term market or a high book value (if 

owned) or charter rate (if chartered). Additionally, we take 

into account the dispersion effect where the freight and 

charter market for each kind of ship fluctuate at different 

times. Companywide risk exposure is calculated once 

Asset Risk Control

Consolidated balance sheet

Debt

Assets

Net assets

Deemed assets in 
vessels, including 
chartered vessels

Convert to total risk 
amount (= maximum 
potential loss)

Restraining the risk amount 
so it does not become 
excessive in comparison with 
shareholders’ equity

2  Asset Risk Control and Consistent Standards for New Investment Decisions

When Asset Risk Control was first introduced, the lack of 

approach, investment projects that consume a large amount 

direct linkage between the system and the profitability 

of Companywide investment leeway (remaining amount of 

benchmarks that the Company uses to make new invest-

risks that can be added) naturally face high hurdle rates, 

ment decisions was an issue. Through subsequent revi-

and projects that require fewer resources face lower 

sions, the framework has been improved so that the funding 

 hurdles to approval. The framework ultimately leads to  

costs in profitability assessments vary depending on the 

an overall portfolio that balances risks against returns. 

size of risk exposure, which is calculated based on the 

Further, the framework helps secure a certain level of ROE 

current concepts of the Asset Risk Control system. In other 

by only adopting individual investment projects with a cer-

words, internal evaluations of ship investment projects now 

tain spread over the specific weighted average cost of capi-

take into consideration the maximum potential loss in line 

tal based on a deemed ratio of equity cost to debt cost. In 

with the amount of risk associated with the ship and apply 

addition, as the rapid accumulation of shareholders’ equity 

equity cost for this portion, while debt cost is applied in the 

accompanying a favorable fiscal 2021 performance has 

risk-free portion. In this way, the higher the risk associated 

resulted in additional scope for the assumption of risk, the 

with a ship, the higher the funding cost associated with it, 

Company will aggressively pursue investment projects that 

and the investment is not approved unless profitability is 

contribute to growth.

sufficiently high to compensate for this risk. Based on this 

Internal Funding Cost Based on Size of Risk

High-Risk Ships (no long-term contract, high ship building costs, etc.)

Low-Risk Ships (with long-term contract, low ship building costs, etc.)

Amount for 
which cost of 
debt is applied 
(risk-free portion)

Amount for 
which cost of 
equity is applied

Amount for 
which cost of 
debt is applied 
(risk-free portion)

Amount for 
which cost of 
equity is applied

Investment 
amount (deemed 
amount used if 
chartered vessel)

Convert to risk 
exposure  
(= maximum 
potential loss)

Breakdown of invested 
amount by types of 
funding costs applied 
for profit assessment

Investment 
amount (deemed 
amount used if 
chartered vessel)

Convert to risk 
exposure  
(= maximum 
potential loss)

Breakdown of invested 
amount by types of 
funding costs applied 
for profit assessment

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27

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Rolling Plan (Management Plan) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Overview

Business Headquarters Breakdown

Dry Bulk Business

∙  Dry Bulk Business (Iron ore and coal carriers, Small and medium-sized bulkers,  

 Page 30

Wood chip carriers, Multipurpose cargo ships)

Energy Business 

 Page 32

∙  Tanker Business (Crude oil tankers, 

∙  LNG Carrier Business

Product tankers, Chemical tankers, 

∙  Offshore Businesses

Methanol tankers, Ammonia tankers, 

∙  Steaming Coal Carrier Business

LPG tankers)

∙  Carbon Business

Product Transport &  

Real Property Business 

∙  Car Carrier Business

∙  Ferries and Coastal RoRo Ship Business

 Page 34

∙  Containership Business

∙  Terminal Business

∙  Logistics Business

∙  Real Property Business

Associated Businesses

∙  Cruise Ship Business

∙  Trading Business

∙  Tugboat Business 

etc.

Others and Head Office

Wave power generation business, Tidal power generation business) 

∙  Clean Energy Business (Ocean thermal energy conversion business,  

Breakdown of Fiscal 2021 Revenues  
by Business Headquarters*1

Associated Businesses and Others

4.8%

etc.

Dry Bulk 
Business 

28.4%

Breakdown of Fiscal 2021 Operating Profit  
by Business Headquarters*1

Dry Bulk Business 

5.9%

¥1,269.3 
billion

Product 
Transport & 
Real Property 
Business 

43.6%

Energy 
Business 

23.2%

Product 
Transport & 
Real Property 
Business 

93.2%

*1 Figures have been converted to reflect business headquarters as of fiscal 2022.

¥721.7  
billion

Energy 
Business 

2.7%

Fleet Sizes of the Major Shipping Companies*2 (Numbers of vessels, all vessel types)
(Number of vessels)

1,500

1,200

900

600

300

0

797

China 
COSCO

NYK

MOL

APM-
Maersk

Oldendorff 

MSC

CMA-CGM

BW

“K” Line

Hapag-Lloyd

Navios

Sovcomflot

*2 Prepared by MOL based on information disclosed by respective companies

Our Business Fields

Marine Transport Business

Offshore Businesses

Logistics Business

Terminal Business

Real Property Business

Offshore Wind Power  
Generation-Related Businesses

Clean Energy Businesses

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Comprising dry bulkers, tankers, LNG carriers, car carriers, containerships, and other 
types of vessels, MOL’s fleet is one of the largest in the world. We provide stable and 
high-quality marine transport services worldwide for resources, intermediate goods, 
finished products, and many other types of cargo by utilizing extensive experience and 
expertise acquired over more than 130 years.

Leveraging experience garnered in the energy transport field, we are concentrating 
investment on not only conventional marine transport but also offshore businesses 
with strong growth potential, including FPSOs, FSRUs, and Powerships. MOL will 
extend its business fields and play additional roles in energy value chains and help 
meet the world’s demand for energy.

Our network of 229 bases in 27 countries and regions around the world provides a 
varied menu of services catering to many different logistics needs. We offer marine, air, 
and land transport that includes customs clearance, inspection, and warehouse man-
agement as well consolidated transport and heavy goods transport.

In Japan, MOL has a comprehensive terminal business. As well as operating container 
terminals at the country’s five major ports—Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and 
Kobe—we provide stevedore services for car carriers and other cargo vessels nation-
wide. Overseas, we also operate seven container terminals in the United States, 
Vietnam, Thailand, and the Netherlands.

With DAIBIRU CORPORATION at its core, this business manages numerous premium 
office buildings, mainly in Tokyo and Osaka. In addition, by combining expertise accu-
mulated domestically with the Group’s resources, the business is developing projects 
overseas and has launched forays into the markets of Vietnam and Australia. As its 
characteristics and market cycles differ from those of marine transport business, the 
business curbs volatility in the Group’s performance and stabilizes earnings.

We are fostering and moving forward with these projects to create future earnings 
mainstays. The Group will draw on the expertise and resources it has acquired during 
many years of operating marine transport and offshore businesses to not only establish 
an offshore wind power generation business but also develop a wide range of upstream 
and downstream peripheral businesses engaged in such areas as the transport of 
equipment and material, installation, maintenance, and power-cable laying.

The Group will contribute to the reduction of society’s overall GHG emissions by devel-
oping mainly ocean-related power generation projects, such as wave power, tidal 
power, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) generation. Moreover, we are 
developing and conserving mangrove forests to create negative emission sources. 
(→pages 38 and 45)

28 MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  

MOL REPORT 2022

29

Rolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
Overview of Operations by Business Headquarters

Dry Bulk Business 

 Fiscal 2021 Achievements
•  Increased profits by capturing shipping market due to strong demand in major economies as 

they recovered from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in China

•  Worked with customers to advance biomass transport and other environment-related businesses 

and to advance initiatives for the decarbonization and carbon reduction of dry bulkers, which 
included the introduction of LNG fuel, the Wind Challenger hard sail system, and Rotor Sail

•  Established capabilities for providing customers with one-stop solutions for a wide variety of 

vessel types and transport through the launch of MOL Drybulk Ltd. in April 2021

  Position and Main Differentiating Factors 

∙  Across a broad customer base, the capture of new transport demand resulting 

from changes in industrial structures accompanying decarbonization

∙  Mobilization of comprehensive expertise and experience to consider, offer, and 

implement transport solutions encompassing commercial, operational, technical, 

and legal requirements

∙  Proactive business development in growth regions and fields

  Market Environment Analysis  

∙  Growing demand for transport modes that help reduce GHG emissions

∙  Steady cargo movements in Asia, centered on China and Southeast Asia in 

the east and extending to India in the west; decarbonization and electrifica-

tion (biomass and nonferrous raw materials); infrastructure (steel products 

and cement); food; and raw materials for paper manufacturing

∙  As a result of the disruption in marine logistics, increasing preference for ship-

ping companies that have the ability to stably supply multipurpose cargo ships

∙  Increasing quality requirements for vessels among major resource-related 

companies based outside Japan

∙  Accelerated inflation, particularly in energy and food prices, the impact of 

monetary tightening on the real economy, and a resulting decline in cargo 

movements

∙  Decrease in demand for coal and potential impairment of the value of heavy 

oil-fueled vessels accompanying a faster-than-expected energy transition

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  Business Strategies

∙  Position MOL Drybulk at the center of a 
drive to capture a wide variety of trans-
port demand

∙  Expand overseas customer base,  

particularly in Asia

∙  Advance environmental strategies  
(introduce LNG-fueled vessels and 
vessels equipped with the Wind 
Challenger hard sail system)

∙  Pursue customer convenience through 

digitalization

∙  Cater to diverse transport needs by 
leveraging comprehensive transport 
management capabilities

∙  Rigorously improve vessel quality in line 

with customer requirements

Highlights

Fleet Breakdown by Vessel Type

Multipurpose 
cargo ships
53 vessels

283 vessels

(As of March 31, 2022)

Wood chip 
carriers
42 vessels

Revenues and Ordinary Profit (Loss)
(¥ billion) 

(¥ billion)

360.7

43.2

450

300

277.1

12.0

150

0

222.0

–4.2

2019

2020

2021

 Revenues (left) 

 Ordinary profit (loss) (right)

60

40

20

0

–20
(FY)

Capesize 
bulkers
79 vessels

Small- and 
medium-sized 
bulkers
109 vessels

Panamax
33 vessels
Handymax
47 vessels
Handysize
29 vessels

MANAGEMENT MESSAGE

Expanding Businesses by Capitalizing on the 
Strengths of MOL’s Dry Bulk Business
MOL’s dry bulk business should utilize its three overall 

In India, where strong economic growth is expected in the 

coming years, and in China, where a policy shift to increasing 

imports of raw materials is expected, we will acquire business 

strengths. The first strength is a broad customer base, while 

by making full use of our existing local expertise and, on 

the second is comprehensive transport management capabili-

occasion, by forming partnerships with local companies.

ties. Our comprehensive experience in meeting customer 

Although established only a year ago, MOL Drybulk  

needs has resulted in the development of know-how related 

has already become an organization with powerful sales 

to marine transport contracts, operational and technical 

capabilities that is well suited to capturing growth in Asia.  

expertise, knowledge of fleet expansion strategy, and insight 

We established the company to create a single point of contact 

that extends from macroeconomic and financial conditions 

capable of dealing with any type of business consultation from 

through to the situations of the particular industries to which 

customers. Going forward, the company will improve its ser-

customers belong. Changes in the customers’ business envi-

vices even further.

ronments will lead to the diversification of demand for marine 

transport, but the Company will further strengthen its ability 

to propose solutions that meet customer needs by leveraging 

Advancing Initiatives to Improve Vessel Quality
As I mentioned, major overseas customers want extremely 

accumulated comprehensive transport management capabili-

high levels of vessel and transport quality. Conversely, the 

ties. The third strength is our fleet portfolio. We will make the 

extent to which marine transport providers can meet these 

most of the strength that stems from having a diverse range 

expectations has become a differentiating factor. Focusing on 

of vessel types, which is the result of the strategic develop-

both tangible and intangible factors and aiming to heighten 

ment of the fleet.

quality of vessels—regardless of whether they are owned or 

On the other hand, we will carry out fleet development in 

chartered—we will embark upon a Groupwide effort that 

anticipation of transport demand. Until the early 2010s, we 

includes collaboration with shipowner partners.

expanded the fleet based on supply-side conditions rather than 

specific cargo demand. In other words, we assumed that vessel 

supply–demand would tighten due to the rise of China’s econ-

omy and the limitations on shipbuilding capacity. By focusing 

more on the specific and potential demand of customers going 

forward, we will develop the fleet in line with predictable trends.

Meeting Customers’ Decarbonization Needs
Going forward, customers are likely to have an even greater 

need for decarbonized marine transport. We are catering to 

this demand in a wide range of ways. For example, we are 

advancing measures for the introduction of large LNG-fueled 

vessels. Also, we are installing wind propulsion assistance 

systems on a variety of vessel types, such as the Wind 

Challenger hard sail system, Rotor Sail, and Delta Sails that 

are attached to cargo handling cranes. In addition, we are 

pursuing the introduction of biofuel and e-methanol fuel, 

which is not derived from fossil fuels. We will actively propose 

effective combinations of these measures to our customers.

Capturing Growth in Asia
Transport demand related to food—needed by a growing 

population—infrastructure, decarbonization, and electrifica-

tion will continue to rise, especially in Asia. In addition to an 

Asia-centered regional strategy, the Headquarters of Dry Bulk 

Business’s key strategies will be a trade strategy that effi-

ciently combines this diverse demand and a partner strategy 

that entails working with customers and other partners who 

have strengths in their respective fields and regions.

We will cater to a wide range of  
customer needs based on  
our comprehensive transport  
management capabilities.

Toshinobu Shinoda
Senior Managing  
Executive Officer
Director General of  
Headquarters of Dry Bulk Business

30

31
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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
Overview of Operations by Business Headquarters

Energy Business 

 Fiscal 2021 Achievements
•  Accumulated new long-term contracts in the LNG carrier business, which is expected to 

 contribute to profit stability going forward

•  Expanded the LPG carrier business, mainly through transport to India
•  Tackled initiatives in new areas, such as offshore wind power generation and CCUS

  Position and Main Differentiating Factors 

∙  Broad business foundations that include the world’s largest LNG carrier fleet as 

well as the development of related businesses in the value chain that includes 

FSRUs and Powerships

∙  Achievement of successes in new fields, such as offshore wind power  

generation, CCUS, and hydrogen, by utilizing business development and execution 

capabilities cultivated during a history of taking on many  

challenging projects

∙  World-leading levels of safe operation management, which support existing 

businesses, and frontline capabilities that make it possible

  Market Environment Analysis  

cargoes resulting from energy transformation triggered by decarbonization

s ∙  Emergence of new business opportunities, such as an increase in new 
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∙  Emergence of new resource trade due to geopolitical factors 

s ∙  Increase in geopolitical credit risk and the formation of economic blocs

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∙  Possibility of an end to the mass consumption of energy and a  

contraction in resource transport over the long term

  Business Strategies

∙  Capture demand for the transport of 
LNG, which is becoming increasingly 
important as a transition energy

∙  Earn premiums through initiatives in 
areas beyond conventional transport, 
such as FPSOs, FSRUs, Powerships, and 
bunkering vessels

∙  Expand new businesses and  

decarbonization businesses, including 
the transport of clean ammonia, the 
transport of liquefied CO2, and wind 
power generation-related businesses

∙  Strengthen our presence and business 
foundations in regions where energy 
demand is expected to grow, such as 
India and China

Highlights

Coastal ships  
(excluding coastal RoRo ships)
30 vessels

Fleet Breakdown by Vessel Type
SEP  
vessels
5 vessels
Steaming coal  
carriers
36 vessels

Offshore  
businesses
15 vessels
FPSO
7 vessels
LNG-to-Powerships
1 vessel
FSUs and FSRUs
4 vessels
Subsea support vessels
3 vessels

356 vessels

(As of March 31, 2022)

LNG bunkering 
vessels
2 vessels

Tankers
171 vessels
Crude oil tankers
37 vessels
Product tankers
14 vessels
Chemical tankers
83 vessels
Methanol tankers
22 vessels
Ammonia tankers
2 vessels
LPG tankers
13 vessels

LNG carriers*1
97 vessels

*1  Including ethane 

carriers

Revenues*2 and Ordinary Profit
(¥ billion) 

(¥ billion)

400

300

289.3

25.4

29.7

278.8

294.0

200

100

0

19.8

2019

2020

2021

40

30

20

10

0
(FY)

 Revenues (left) 

 Ordinary profit (right)

*2  Large parts of LNG carriers and offshore businesses are managed through 

equity-method affiliates, and the revenues of these parts have not been included in 
the consolidated revenues above.

MANAGEMENT MESSAGE

Building New Businesses by Capitalizing on 
Experience Acquired while Tackling Diverse 
Challenges over Many Years
A distinctive feature of the Headquarters of Energy Business is 

New Organization
In April 2022, the Headquarters of Energy Business abolished 

the traditional separation of operations into departments and 

introduced a new system based on units. To enable and 

its high percentage of medium- to long-term contracts. In fiscal 

increase the combinations of existing expertise that are 

2021, we acquired numerous medium- to long-term contracts 

needed when creating new businesses, we are eliminating 

mainly related to LNG, demand for which is growing due to its 

organizational boundaries and realizing an agile and flexible 

role as a transition energy. For example, we secured contracts 

organization that draws on diverse personnel to form the 

in relation to six LNG carriers for China National Offshore Oil 

teams best suited to respective projects. Of course, revamping 

Corporation (CNOOC). These contracts promise to contribute 

an organization does not change its nature overnight. With 

stably to profits for more than 10 years after the commence-

this in mind, I have put myself at the forefront of initiatives to 

ment of the project. Also, in India, which is one of our priority 

remove organizational barriers.

regions, we established local subsidiary Sakura Energy 

Transport Private Limited in October 2021. With a focus on the 

LPG carrier business, we will expand the business by venturing 

Businesses in Russia
Since the outbreak of war, we have expressed our concern 

into fields to which only an Indian company can gain access, 

over the Russia–Ukraine situation and our hope that the 

such as the challenging field of coastal river transport. The 

efforts underway among all parties concerned for a peaceful 

Headquarters of Energy Business has been identified as the 

solution will come to a conclusion as quickly as possible. Our 

largest growth segment in Rolling Plan 2022. By thoroughly 

Russia-related businesses, such as the Sakhalin II Project  

managing the construction of new vessels, training crew mem-

and the Yamal LNG Project, have been affected by higher war 

bers, and ship management after delivery, we will first steadily 

premiums and difficulties in procuring vessel components and 

increase earnings through the contracts we have acquired.

assigning Russian crew members. However, the projects in 

  Meanwhile, considering the external environment and the 

which we are engaged and our charterers (customers) are not 

needs of society and customers from a medium- to long-term 

subject to sanctions. At this juncture, we believe our responsi-

point of view, the era of the mass consumption and transport 

bility is to continue fulfilling contracts and provide transport 

of energy is likely to change as a result of trends toward 

services to those in Japan and other countries who depend on 

decarbonization and carbon reduction. As well as steadily 

energy for their day-to-day lives. As prolongation of the war or 

increasing earnings in the new business fields that are 

a widening of the scope of sanctions could change the situa-

 currently emerging, such as offshore wind power generation, 

tion, we will pay close attention to developments.

the transport of liquefied CO2, and the transport of clean 
ammonia, we believe that the potential business opportunities 

beyond these business fields are countless. In the LNG field, 

we are already expanding businesses by entering downstream 

areas of the value chain, including FSRU and Powership busi-

nesses, both of which grew out of the LNG carrier business. 

Similarly, in the field of clean energy we aim to participate in 

the upstream and downstream areas of value chains and 

supply chains. Unlike simple marine transport, these 

 businesses require expertise in realizing projects through 

research on the laws, environmental regulations, and tax 

systems of each country. Nonetheless, taking on bold initia-

tives in fields that others have avoided due to inherent difficulties 

is part of the history and DNA of the Headquarters of Energy 

Business. Therefore, we will be able to build business models 

that are unique to us.

We will capture new trends in energy  
to realize long-term growth.

Kenta Matsuzaka
Director, Senior Managing 
Executive Officer
Director General of  
Headquarters of Energy Business

32

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate InformationOverview of Operations by Business Headquarters

Product Transport & Real Property Business 

Fiscal 2021 Achievements
•  Recorded a significant rise in profits from the containership business due to favorable market  
driven by growth in transport demand accompanying increased global consumption of goods
•  Saw a rapid improvement in the business performance of the car carrier business thanks to  

a recovery in demand for the production and marine transport of automobiles, which had been  
lackluster due to the COVID-19 pandemic

•  Accumulated robust profits in the terminal & logistics and real property businesses

 Position and Main Differentiating Factors 

•  Ongoing investment in vessels with excellent environmental performance

•  Containership business portfolio centered on highly profitable trans-Pacific routes

•  Pursuit of synergy benefits based on a diverse group of businesses that includes 

containerships, terminals, logistics, ferries, car carriers, and real estate

 Market Environment Analysis  

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•  Increase in product transport demand accompanying a growing  

world population

•  Normalization of product manufacturing due to recovery from the COVID-19 

pandemic, as typified by automobiles

•  Positive effect on the global economy and product demand as a result of the 

enhanced purchasing power of resource-rich countries

•  Decline in cargo movements due to prolongation of the Russia–Ukraine situation

•  Global economic slowdown caused by inflation and soaring resource prices

•  Formation of economic blocs as a result of an increase in the local manufac-

turing of products for local consumption

  Business Strategies

•  Accelerate measures to reduce the 

environmental impact of transport, such 
as the steady replacement of the existing 
fleet with LNG-fueled vessels

•  Adjust ship allocation and rebuild ser-
vices to cater to changes in the car 
seaborne trade

•  Capture the logistics demand of the 

customers of other business headquarters

•  Utilize DX to enhance customer services 

and operational efficiency

Highlights

Fleet Breakdown by Vessel Type

Ferries and coastal 
RoRo ships
15 vessels

Car carriers
93 vessels

155 vessels

(As of March 31, 2022)

Containerships*1
47 vessels

*1 All containerships are chartered to and operated by ONE.

Revenues*2*3 and Ordinary Profit*3
(¥ billion) 

(¥ billion)

800

600

400

200

0

515.1

434.7

672.9

554.2

113.9

17.3

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

 Revenues 

 Ordinary profit 

*2  ONE, which is responsible for the management of the containership business, is 

an equity-method affiliate. Therefore, the revenues of ONE have not been included 
above.

*3  Figures have been converted to reflect business headquarters as of fiscal 2022.

MANAGEMENT MESSAGE

Supported by Market Conditions and a Recovery in 
Cargo Movements, Posted Unprecedented Profits in 
Fiscal 2021, Mainly in the Containership Business
Throughout fiscal 2021, the strong demand in the container-

To steadily grow businesses despite such potential  

adversity, we view “networks” as a key word. Although the 

Headquarters of Product Transport & Real Property Business 

has a diverse business portfolio encompassing container-

ship market of the previous fiscal year continued. As a result, 

ships, terminal & logistics, ferries, car carriers, and real 

equity in earnings of affiliates from Ocean Network Express 

estate, the realization of synergies is, at first glance, often 

Pte. Ltd. (ONE), which operates the containership business, 

assumed to be difficult. However, by building broad networks, 

drove MOL’s profits above their previous record high, achieved 

each business will be able to not only expand its services but 

during a boom in marine transport in the mid-2000s. As for 

also interact with other businesses in the division and thereby 

fiscal 2022, due to an economic downturn caused by global 

gain access to customers, tap their demand, and offer them 

inflation and other factors, we forecast that the containership 

differentiated solutions and services. As for the real property 

market will enter an adjustment phase in the middle of the 

business, which was added to the business headquarters in 

fiscal year.

fiscal 2022 as a consequence of DAIBIRU CORPORATION 

The car carrier business also recovered strongly. The 

becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of MOL, we will utilize as 

direct cause of this recovery was a tightening of the market 

foundations the customer trust and advanced capabilities in 

due to fleet size reductions implemented by MOL and other 

management and maintenance that DAIBIRU has cultivated 

shipping companies until fiscal 2021 and a subsequent recov-

over many years while making full use of the MOL Group’s 

ery in transport demand. However, the base level of profits 

networks to identify and develop new areas for growth. For 

was also raised by the progress of a regional strategy in China 

example, we will move forward with initiatives in fields where 

and India, various structural reforms, and improvements in 

we have previously not had extensive involvement, including 

the efficiency of ship allocation.

real estate development in emerging countries, particularly 

In the ferry business, although the business environment 

Asian countries, and  logistics-related real estate.

in the passenger sector remained challenging amid the 

To effectively utilize networks and realize the ambitious 

COVID-19 pandemic, demand for freight transport was resil-

initiatives that I mentioned, we must encourage lively com-

ient. Consequently, business results were around the break-

munication within the business headquarters and enable each 

even point.

employee to think outside the box without feeling constrained 

The combination of the aforementioned performances of 

by organizational frameworks. As director general, my  mission 

the containership and car carrier businesses together with 

is to help build such a culture in the business headquarters.

By leveraging the global networks of its 
businesses, the business headquarters will 
unearth new customer demand and deliver  
services that MOL is uniquely  
qualified to realize.

Hirotoshi Ushioku
Senior Managing Executive Officer
Director General of Headquarters of  
Product Transport & Real Property Business

solid contributions to profits from the terminal & logistics and 

real property businesses resulted in the Headquarters of 

Product Transport & Real Property Business as a whole 

achieving excellent business results in the fiscal year.

Pursuing Synergies among Businesses by Thinking 
Outside the Box
Looking to the future from our current position of strength, 

we face a range of risks and uncertainties. In the short term, 

potential causes for concern include a slowdown of the global 

economy, which has achieved a steep recovery since the 

easing of restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; 

an increase in the turmoil resulting from the Russia–Ukraine 

situation; a sharp depreciation of the yen; and a hike in energy 

prices. Factors that could have negative long-term impacts 

are the possibility of surplus shipping capacity due to a rush 

to build new vessels, higher operating costs stemming from 

the introduction of the European Union Emissions Trading 

System and other environmental regulations, concerns about 

the establishment of a market oligopoly as European shipping 

companies acquire logistics companies, lower container cargo 

movements accompanying a decline in demand for goods, and 

the formation of economic blocs as a result of an increase in 

the local manufacturing of products for local consumption.

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
Special Feature

Expanding Our Boundaries: Case 1

Taking on the Challenge  
of the Overseas Real Property  
Business through DAIBIRU

In April 2022, MOL completed a tender offer for DAIBIRU CORPORATION, making it a 

wholly owned subsidiary. By further leveraging its networks and financial base, the MOL 

Group endeavors to strengthen the real property business—one of the segments of high 

priority in Rolling Plan 2022—and aims to expand this business in overseas markets with 

promising growth.

Background photograph: The DAIBIRU-owned Saigon Tower in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City

Sydney

The Story behind Our Overseas Expansion

In 1923, DAIBIRU was established for the joint construction of a 

market, the company turned its attention to Vietnam. In addi-

new office building by Osaka Shosen Kaisha (O.S.K. Line), which 

tion to a range of elements such as growth potential, cultural 

was a predecessor of MOL, and partner companies. DAIBIRU 

affinity with Japan, and political stability, the primary factors 

subsequently became the owner and manager of numerous 

leading to the decision to launch a business in Vietnam were 

prestigious office buildings, primarily in Osaka and Tokyo. 

MOL’s local contacts, many years of business experience in the 

Although its business had been stable for many years, the 

country, and a wealth of local insights.

company began to confront a domestic market that lacked 

However, it was also true that there were voices of concern 

growth potential due to Japan’s declining population.

from some DAIBIRU employees, as they had never even 

Against this backdrop, in the late 2000s we welcomed a 

thought about overseas business, leaving aside the first desti-

new president from MOL who initiated expansions into over-

nation being Vietnam, a developing country. Back in the days 

seas markets. The decision was made to ride the wave of eco-

when information was rather limited, Vietnam was an 

nomic upswing overseas, since demand for office space closely 

unknown, distant country. I remember how the employee 

follows economic growth. At the time, China was leading eco-

assigned to take charge of the new overseas business 

nomic growth, but as many companies had already entered this 

described that feeling as a strange mix of hope and anxiety.

Advancing Initiatives in Ho Chi Minh City and Becoming  
a Successful Overseas Business
In 2007, we began traveling to Vietnam to explore potential 

and maintenance in an integrated manner. Whereas many 

projects. Aiming to acquire properties by directly obtaining 

buildings in Vietnam deteriorate significantly soon after com-

local information and developing networks, in April 2011 we 

pletion, the former owner of Saigon Tower, who had a strong 

rented a space in MOL’s Ho Chi Minh City office and set up a 

attachment to the building, chose to sell it to DAIBIRU largely 

new representative office staffed by an employee posted from 

due to the company’s impressive track record of maintaining 

Japan and a locally hired employee. I later took over the posi-

and improving the quality of properties in Japan through 

tion and was put in charge of this fledgling overseas business. 

painstaking management.

Thanks to the support from many different quarters, we 

Of course, replicating the level of management realized  

acquired our first overseas property, Saigon Tower, from  

in Japan in another country was not easy. We acquired Saigon 

a Hong Kong-based owner in January 2012.

Tower through acquiring a local company which owned the 

In Japan and overseas, recent years have seen a growing 

building. Our relationship with this company revealed signifi-

trend toward specialization in the real estate industry. It is 

cant differences in approaches to cleaning and security 

common for property owners to outsource external service 

between Japan and Vietnam. After weekly meetings with the 

providers to liaise with tenants and manage properties. The 

executives of the local company, we walked together through 

basic approach of DAIBIRU is, in contrast, to utilize its own 

the building from top to bottom, inspected the cleanliness  

resources and those of its group companies to handle devel-

and condition of each area, and repeatedly communicated  

opment, leasing, lease management, property management, 

the standards that we sought. The cumulative effect of such 

minor measures produced positive changes. Gradually, the 

extremely happy to have been able to demonstrate that this 

management standards we were aiming for became widely 

business model also works overseas.

understood, and the local company began to spontaneously 

Recently, there has not only been an increase in our 

suggest improvements. Today, Saigon Tower is known as one 

export of practices from Japan but also in the introduction of 

of the best office buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, maintaining  

best practices from overseas to domestic businesses. We are 

a high occupancy rate, and being principally occupied by 

currently in the process of introducing a new elevator man-

Western tenants.

agement system which has not yet been adopted in Japan to 

In the 10 years since the establishment of our first over-

our overseas properties. Further, through contact with local 

seas office, we have entered the real estate markets of Hanoi 

tenants and businesses, the overseas business provides 

and Sydney and invested approximately ¥40.0 billion. What 

opportunities to experience firsthand and remain abreast of 

began with one or two people in the planning department has 

such global trends as environmental measures and efforts to 

become a department of overseas business. As well, the goal 

meet the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 

of earning 10.0% of our operating profit overseas, which 

(SDGs). Going forward, we will make more use of experience 

initially seemed a distant prospect, is now within sight. 

and insights gained from the overseas business in this way to 

DAIBIRU acquires office buildings in prime locations and then 

enhance domestic businesses.

devotes a great deal of time and care to enhance them. I am 

Developing as a MOL Group Member

In the process of entering overseas markets, being a MOL 

the DAIBIRU brand is not yet well known in overseas markets, 

Group company has been a major asset. For companies in 

the company has been able to conduct business negotiations 

Japan that do not have their own networks, establishing foot-

and gather information in various countries by taking advan-

holds in overseas markets is extremely challenging. It requires 

tage of MOL’s brand name recognition and connections. The 

a great deal of time and effort to, for example, find and engage 

recent conversion into a wholly owned subsidiary of MOL will 

consultants to take such basic initial steps as grasping under-

enable DAIBIRU to further develop overseas businesses by 

standing of the locality and carrying out inspection tours. In this 

leveraging MOL’s brand name and local networks. At the same 

respect, DAIBIRU has been able to use MOL offices around the 

time, we will benefit MOL’s businesses by providing access to 

world as bases for inspections and information hubs to obtain 

information, customers, and business partners that we have 

local information from resident MOL employees. Further, while 

acquired locally through the real property business.

Evolving DAIBIRU Even Further
When I joined DAIBIRU about 20 years ago, the possibility  

of an overseas business was not even considered. I joined 

DAIBIRU because I wanted to work in Tokyo or Osaka. Never 

for a moment did I imagine that I would be consistently 

engaged in an overseas business. DAIBIRU has solid business 

foundations in Osaka and Tokyo. Accordingly, employees tend 

to focus on stability, but I feel that the development of the 

overseas business has gradually changed this in-house cul-

ture. Nowadays, some employees even join the company 

because they want to work overseas. Having as many employ-

ees as possible gain overseas experience will make us even 

more robust as a real estate company.

  While continuing to evolve further by combining experi-

ence as an office leasing company with its unique position as 

part of a major shipping group, DAIBIRU will also contribute 

by playing key roles in the MOL Group’s strategies.

Hiroshi Kumada
Managing Director
Daibiru Australia Pty Ltd

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Feature

Expanding Our Boundaries: Case 2

Participating  
in the Carbon Business

Since January 2022, the MOL Group has been participating in a blue carbon project that  

is regenerating and conserving mangrove forests in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Over  

a period of 30 years, this project aims to remove and store CO2 by planting mangroves  

on approximately 9,500 hectares of bare land and prevent the emission by conserving 

14,000 hectares of existing mangrove forest, which amount to approximately 11 million 

tons of CO2 in total. In accordance with MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1, we will use  

a range of means to reduce GHG emissions as much as possible while advancing 

initiatives that create negative emission sources.

South Sumatra, 

Indonesia

Find an Intersection of Social, Corporate, and Personal Priorities

When studying for a master of business administration quali-

Currently, we are advancing the project based on a part-

fication with corporate sponsorship, I mulled over the fields 

nership with YL Forest Co., Ltd., which has a track record of 

where society’s expectations, the Company’s business, and 

mangrove forest conservation in Indonesia. We were intro-

my own purpose intersect, and which of those fields promised 

duced to the company by a mangrove expert who helped us 

the greatest synergy benefits. I concluded that a blue carbon 

with environmental restoration efforts in Mauritius following 

project was a promising option. Taking into account the 

the WAKASHIO accident in 2020. Our commitment to meeting 

 decisive importance of this decade for society in terms of 

social responsibilities has led to our relationship with YL 

climate change, MOL’s strong affinity with the ocean and the 

Forest, which is an asset that we value.

highly public nature of the Company’s business fields, as well 

as my desire to help realize a society that coexists with 

nature, I drafted a proposal and submitted it via the corporate 

venturing program for suggesting new business ideas. In the 

process of preparing the proposal, I consulted with personnel 

at various levels of the Company. I found many coworkers with 

business acumen who understood that the proposal was not 

simply a corporate social responsibility initiative but rather  

an initiative in which social benefits and business overlap. 

Finding these supporters was a major driver of commercial-

ization. Another source of support has been MOL’s corporate 

culture, which commends personnel who, when confronted 

with uncertainties, determine how much risk can be assumed 

and then move forward with courage and self-belief.

An on-site inspection in Indonesia

Blue Carbon
Blue carbon is carbon that is absorbed and stored through the photosynthesis of mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows in  
coastal waters.

Negative Emissions
“Negative emissions” refers to the removal and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere and can be divided into two types. Nature-based solutions 
include forests, blue carbon, and other natural means to increase CO2 absorption, whereas technology-based solutions use chemical engineering 
technologies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

Utilize Our Frontline Capabilities
The project is tasked with restoring approximately 1,000 hect-

on the ground. I believe that this commitment was a key factor 

ares annually over the coming 10 years. At the same time, the 

in YL Forest’s decision to accept us as a partner. In the long 

project will conduct ongoing activities to conserve existing 

run, I believe that our approach will differentiate us from 

mangrove forests. At present, we are holding in-depth meet-

other companies.

ings with YL Forest in preparation for tree planting. The com-

In parallel with the preparation for tree planting, we are 

pany’s main business was originally timber importing. Since 

preparing to conduct a social impact assessment. With the 

transforming into a forest restoration and conservation busi-

help of external experts, we plan to finalize overall evaluation 

ness in 2004, however, the company has rapidly established 

methods and target indicators by the end of 2022. When 

an impressive track record and developed various local net-

 measuring the value produced by mangrove forests, carbon 

works. Therefore, YL Forest will lead local tree-planting activ-

storage is currently the most readily understandable indicator, 

ities. However, we will contribute not only as a sponsor but 

but these forests have long been a source of a wider range of 

also in relation to project management and negotiations with 

social value that includes contribution to biodiversity and 

certification organizations for the issuance of carbon credits, 

disaster prevention benefits. For the time being, we will work 

which is another key component of the project.

together with local communities on restoration and protection 

Currently, companies from a range of industries are 

of mangroves while utilizing the economic incentives of 

attempting to participate in blue carbon projects. However, 

carbon credits. In the future, we would also like to introduce 

many such companies seem to be approaching projects to 

symbiotic aquafarming to the mangrove forests so that local 

receive carbon credits in return for investing funds as if they 

residents can enjoy tangible benefits from nature. I hope that 

were merely financial transactions. By contrast, as a company 

this project helps create a society where people coexist with 

with various frontline operations as well as operating bases in 

and voluntarily take care of mangrove forests based on a 

countries worldwide including marine transport businesses, 

renewed appreciation of their value.

MOL intends to participate in the project alongside partners 

Remain Needed by Society
Already looking beyond the blue carbon project, the Carbon 

Business & Project Team, to which I belong, is exploring new 

projects. We will draw on knowledge garnered from the project 

in Indonesia, such as the critical aspects of methodologies 

used in managing blue carbon projects as well as an under-

standing of mangroves and afforestation, to accurately identify 

projects with a strong likelihood of succeeding. In addition, our 

goal is to conduct not only projects that use nature-based 

solutions but also projects engaged in the development of 

negative emission technologies that contribute directly to 

decarbonization through the removal and storage of CO2 from 

the atmosphere.

  We truly want to be a company that remains needed  

by society far into the future. To this end, we will meet our 

responsibility as a social infrastructure provider by moving 

forward with initiatives focused on decarbonization—one of the 

most pressing issues the world faces today—and by leading 

the way for the marine transport industry and for Japan’s 

private sector as a whole. As the MOL Group forges ahead with 

such initiatives, I hope our team can perform a useful role.

Kazura Koda
Carbon Business & 
Project Team  
Energy Business Strategy 
Division

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Sustainability Initiatives

A Message from the Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer (CESO)

 Sustainability Issues Overview  
We have identified five Sustainability Issues (Materiality), which comprise the social issues our businesses should give priority  

to addressing. With the ongoing enhancement of Governance as a premise of business management, the Group will tackle the 

Sustainability Issues of Safety & Value and Environment while enabling reciprocal benefits among initiatives focused on Innovation 

and Human & Community. By advancing such initiatives, we will realize the MOL Group Vision, thereby enhancing corporate value 

and helping to build a sustainable society.

Conceptual Diagram of Sustainability Issues

Contributions to address social issues
Contributions to address social issues

Sustainability Issues

Realize MOL Group Vision
Realize MOL Group Vision

Safety & Value

Environment

Innovation

Human & Community

Governance

Enhancement of management foundation

Safety & Value
Provide added value through safe transportation 
and our social infrastructure business

Environment
Conservation for marine and global environment

Human & Community
Contributing to the growth and development of 
people and communities

Innovation
Innovation for development in marine technology

Governance
Governance and compliance to support businesses

Materiality Identification Process
In fiscal 2019, we initially identified Sustainability Issues 

(Materiality) by forming an internal team with cross-divisional 

 Sustainability Issues Revision and MOL Sustainability 
Plan Formulation  
In fiscal 2021, we revised our Sustainability Issues to reflect 

membership, the Sustainability Promotion Project Team, 

developments in relation to climate change, human rights 

which analyzed the negative and positive social impacts of our 

issues, and other aspects of the social environment as well  

business activities and then categorized the impacts based on 

as changes in our business environment during the two  

their relationships to social issues. In light of this analysis and 

years since we had first identified Sustainability Issues.

categorization, we used two axes—impact on society  

To accelerate initiatives focused on addressing the 

and impact on the MOL Group’s businesses—to condense 

Sustainability Issues, we established targets, KPIs, and action 

these social issues into five Sustainability Issues.

plans for each issue and formulated the MOL Sustainability 

Plan in April 2022. We will steadily implement this plan, mea-

sure its effectiveness, and make improvements as appropriate.

Before  
review

After  
review

Value-Added Transport Services

Human Resource Cultivation and  
Community Development

Safety & Value
Provide added value through safe 
transportation and our social 
infrastructure business

Human & Community
Contributing to the growth  
and development of people  
and communities

•  Clarify commitment to safety initiatives

•  Empower not only executives and employees of the MOL 

•  Expand scope to cover not only transport but also social 

Group but also everyone involved in its businesses and 

infrastructure businesses such as offshore businesses

seek coexistence with all stakeholders

Purpose of the MOL Sustainability Plan

The worldwide trend toward decarbonization has become 

clearer since the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties 

to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 

Change, which was held in fall 2021. In addition, society is 

increasingly focusing on biodiversity, human rights, and other 

matters as pressing issues. The MOL Group has advanced 

initiatives to achieve respective goals based on the 

Sustainability Issues (Materiality) identified in fiscal 2019, and 

the Group needs to accelerate these initiatives even further.

  Meanwhile, as CESO I have taken great pains to instill the 

Sustainability Issues in all employees. I realized that, as the 

Sustainability Issues are highly abstract, employees grasped 

the concepts but additional steps were needed to encourage 

them to take ownership of the issues, incorporate them into 

daily work, and change behavior. Accordingly, the recently 

released MOL Sustainability Plan (MSP) makes the 

Sustainability Issues more concrete, understandable, and 

easy to put into practice for employees and a range of other 

stakeholders. In relation to each Sustainability Issue, the plan 

establishes clear KPIs and action plans. We have also 

included such design features as the creation of icons for 

each issue.

Guided by the MSP,  
we will step up the pace  
of efforts to address our 
Sustainability Issues.

In an organization like ours, where employees of various 

nationalities work in regions worldwide, setting out a clear 

road map is essential. For example, in the environmental 

field, the fiscal 2021 announcement of MOL Group 

Environmental Vision 2.1 ahead of the MSP has boosted the 

progress of concrete initiatives. We have begun a project 

tasked with introducing for contracts with U.S. customers dry 

bulkers that incorporate two environmental technologies: 

Wind Challenger hard sail system and Rotor Sail. We have 

also decided to introduce LNG-fueled car carriers. Moreover, 

the Group has seen the emergence of self-starting efforts  

to advance environmental strategies. The personnel of our 

London base have launched Green Circle, an inter- 

departmental team that is conducting such activities as gath-

ering information from universities and research institutions 

and exploring involvement in measures aimed at making U.K. 

ports carbon neutral. As for non-environmental Sustainability 

Issues, I hope that the KPIs and action plans established 

when preparing the MSP will provide reference points for 

employees and encourage them to make positive changes  

in business activities.

Integration of the MSP and Business Plans to 
Enhance Corporate Value

With our sights set on advancing the MSP in an even more 

effective manner, we are considering its integration with 

respective divisions’ business plans in the new management 

plan scheduled for release in fiscal 2023. We believe that 

these integrated plans will enable employees to better 

 understand the connections between their jobs and the 

Sustainability Issues while advancing business plans vigor-

ously and achieving results. Unlike sales divisions, divisions 

involved in corporate services, such as human resources and 

technology, tend to be less able to see the connection 

between the work at hand and society due to the nature of 

their operations. I will do my utmost as the CESO to persua-

sively demonstrate the value of integrating the Sustainability 

Issues into operations, thereby instilling an understanding of 

our initiatives among all employees, regardless of their division.

In fiscal 2021, we revised the MOL Group Corporate 

Mission and the MOL Group Vision, while in fiscal 2022 we 

have formulated the MSP. In line with new commitments that 

have resulted, we will improve services and create new busi-

nesses while fulfilling social responsibilities. By pursuing this 

integrated approach to create a cycle of improvement and 

innovation and by communicating our efforts to society in a 

clear, readily understandable way, we will heighten both our 

brand value and corporate value.

Toshiaki Tanaka 
Representative Director, Executive Vice President Executive Officer
Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer (CESO)

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Implement strategies set forth in Rolling Plan 2022

marine  technical specialists.

Safety & Value

Provide Added Value through Safe Transportation 
and Our Social Infrastructure Business

MOL aims to promote sustainability and prosperity in people’s everyday lives and in industries 

around the world, by transporting energy, commodities, and finished products safely, reliably, 

and cost-effectively. The MOL Group continuously aims to expand its social infrastructure  

business, centered primarily on marine transport.

Initiative Focus

Targets

KPIs

Fiscal 2022 Action Plans

Value through Our 
Core Business

Safety Levels

Provide sustainable value through 
marine transport and social infra-
structure businesses

Numerical Targets
Achieve fiscal 2027 profit and financial 
targets set out in Rolling Plan 2022
Ordinary profit: ¥200.0 billion
ROE: 9.0%–10.0%
Net gearing ratio (times): <1.0

Rigorously ensure safe operation and 
eliminate accidents

Numerical Targets
• Achieve 4 ZEROES:
  — Zero serious marine incidents
  — Zero serious cargo damage
  — Zero oil pollution
  — Zero fatal accidents
•  Lost time injury frequency*1:   0.50
•  Average downtime*2: 

 24.00 hours per ship per year

•  Downtime frequency rate*3: 

 1.00 incident per ship per year

•  Ordinary profit
•  ROE
•  Net gearing ratio
•  Transport volume (ton-mile)

•  Number of days with zero serious 

marine incidents

•  Number of days with zero serious 

cargo damage

•  Number of days with zero oil 

pollution

•  Number of days with zero fatal 

accidents

•  Lost time injury frequency
•  Average downtime
•  Downtime frequency rate

Implement activities to heighten safety awareness
  — Conduct safety events such as Safety Campaign and 

Safety Conferences and disclose safety level indicators

Strengthen ICT-enabled support of safe operation
  — Utilize vessel movement monitoring system and FOCUS 

Project initiatives and reinforce monitoring of weather 
and navigation risks

Creation of New 
Added Value

Create services that meet social needs

•  Track record of new services that 
cater to society’s sustainability-
related needs

•  Number of projects commercialized 
through the MOL Incubation Bridge, 
system for employee-inspired 
proposals for new businesses

Steadily promote existing projects and explore new service 
opportunities
  — Advance clean energy transport businesses, employ-

ment agency businesses that recruit personnel outside 
Japan, and blue carbon businesses, etc.

Continuously commercializing new businesses proposed by 
employees

*1  The number of work-related accidents per one million hours worked; the scope of calculation includes any workplace illness or injury that prevents a worker from resum-

ing normal duties or light duties on the day the illness or injury occurs, regardless of whether the illness or injury requires disembarkation.

*2 The amount of downtime due to mechanical malfunctions or incidents per ship per year
*3 The number of mechanical malfunctions or incidents that result in downtime per ship per year

4 ZEROES*4

Lost Time Injury Frequency*5

(Number of accidents)

6

4

2

0

5

3

2

2

1

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

Average Downtime*5 / 
Downtime Frequency Rate*5
(Hours per ship per year) 
発生率

(Number of incidents per ship per year)

2.50

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00

Average among all industries in 2021 (2.09)

Average in water transport industry
in 2021 (0.68)

MOL’s target since fiscal 2020 (≤0.50)

MOL’s target from fiscal 2015
to fiscal 2019 (≤0.70)

MOL’s LTIF track record

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

40

30

20

10

0

MOLʼs target for
average downtime
per ship
(≤24 hours)

MOLʼs target for downtime frequency rate (≤1.00)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00

 Serious marine incidents 
 Fatal accidents 

 Oil pollution
 Serious cargo damage

Source of reference values: Overview of Results of 
the 2021 Survey on Industrial Accidents, Ministry of 
Health, Labour and Welfare

  Average downtime (left)
  Downtime frequency rate (right)

*4 Including chartered vessels. If it affects more than one KPI, an accident is counted as one accident under each one of them in this graph.
*5  Beginning from fiscal 2021, the scope of KPI calculation for safety levels was extended from MOL-owned and managed vessels to cover all operating vessels of the MOL 

Group, including chartered vessels. Offshore businesses were also newly included.

 Value through Our Core Business

For details on initiatives under Rolling Plan 2022, please see pages 12 to 23.

For details on initiatives in each business headquarters, please see pages 30 to 35.

 Safety Levels

Organizational Structure Supporting Safe Operation
The Operational Safety Committee, which is a subordinate organization of the Executive Committee, conducts analysis and 

 deliberations on and ensures the rigorous enforcement of the safe operation of all Group vessels. In addition, the Group has estab-

lished the position of chief safety officer, who is delegated by the CEO to supervise strategy planning and policy implementation to 

make sure safety is maintained throughout the MOL Group’s businesses and provide necessary advice to the director generals of 

business headquarters and executive officers. The Headquarters of Safety Operations is responsible for the formulation and imple-

mentation of measures related to Groupwide safe operation. In addition, within this headquarters we have established the Global 

Maritime Resources Division, which is responsible for international policy on crew members and the utilization of non-Japanese 

Organizational Structure Supporting Safe Operation (Fiscal 2022)

Operational Safety Committee

Headquarters of Safety Operations

Chair:  Chief safety officer, who is the managing 

executive officer serving as the director general 
of the Headquarters of Safety Operations
Members: Eight executive officers including the CEO
Observer: Chairman executive officer

Marine Safety Division
Global Maritime Resources Division
Marine Technical Management Division
Offshore Technical Division
Smart Shipping Division

Liquefied Gas Ship Management Strategies 
Division
MOL Ship Management Co., Ltd.
MOL LNG Transport Co., Ltd.

Implement Activities to Heighten Safety Awareness
 Emergency Response Tabletop Drills
We continuously conduct various drills to ensure that we are ready for and respond appropriately to emergencies and problems. 

Onboard vessels, we regularly conduct emergency response drills for a range of scenarios, such as fire and flooding. Also, Group 

companies engaged in ferry and cruise ship businesses give first priority to passenger safety and conduct periodic drills with an 

emphasis on evacuation guidance.

At the Head Office, executive officers up to and including the rank of CEO, related divisions and departments, and ship manage-

ment companies annually collaborate in emergency response tabletop drills that simulate a serious marine accident, with the coop-

eration of authorities and the media. As well as raising safety awareness, the simulation of such accidents verifies the ability of 

organizations to respond appropriately and communicate information accurately and smoothly.

 Safety Campaigns
With the aim of cohesively heightening safety awareness among offshore and onshore employees and thereby further developing our 

safety culture, we conduct annual safety campaigns in which crew members onboard vessels and onshore officers and employees 

discuss their opinions on safety. In fiscal 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic we conducted a safety campaign that connected ves-

sels and offices through an online format. During the campaign period, approximately 2,300 employees participated, including 693 

onshore officers and employees and the crew members of 79 vessels.

  With “Overcome rough seas with MOL CHARTS!” as a theme, the fiscal 2021 safety campaign provided opportunities to consider 

and discuss how best to raise safety awareness in light of the lessons learned from a serious accident that occurred in fiscal 2020. 

Information and suggestions received from crew members are being widely shared in-house and among vessels and used to further 

strengthen safe operation capabilities. Also, the campaign increased the safety awareness of onshore officers and employees by 

enabling them to speak directly with crew members and gain insights into frontline operations.

 Launch of SOSC CHANNEL Informational Videos for Employees
To disseminate a variety of informational videos on safe operation, the Safety Operation Supporting Center (SOSC) (→page 44) used 

an intranet portal to launch the SOSC CHANNEL at the end of March 2021. This in-house channel comprises five-minute videos 

featuring explanations by officers of fog, typhoons, and other weather and sea conditions as well as waters where care is required 

with respect to piracy and other risks. The videos also give examples of how risks have been avoided by following the SOSC’s advice. 

As well as providing valuable information on safe operation to many employees, the channel helps make the SOSC more familiar  

and approachable.

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Strengthen ICT-Enabled Support of Safe Operation
Established at the Head Office to monitor and support from shore the safe operation of vessels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the 

Safety Operation Supporting Center (SOSC) realizes its role by combining the expertise and experience of two on-duty personnel—one 

of whom is a captain—and information obtained from a range of systems and external sources. Based on advances in digital technolo-

gies and lessons learned from accidents, the SOSC is upgrading systems and increasing safety even further.

SPIRIT Vessel Movement Monitoring System
Introduced in January 2021, the SPIRIT (Sustainable Platform with 

Intellectual Resource and Innovative Technology) system enables us to 

monitor where our approximately 800 vessels are around the world and 

what kind of weather and sea conditions they are experiencing at any given 

time. Moreover, while tracking the movements of individual vessels, the 

system allows us to conduct multifaceted risk assessments by combining 

information on piracy, military exercises, and a range of other information. 

In April 2022, the functions of the system were upgraded even further so 

that it can incorporate the voyage plans of each vessel. The system is used 

not only by the SOSC but also by vessel operators and other related in-

house personnel to provide support to vessels in operation.

Navigation Risk Monitoring System
Developed as a measure to prevent a recurrence of the WAKASHIO grounding accident, which occurred on July 25, 2020, our naviga-

tion risk monitoring system began full-scale operation at the end of January 2022. The system constantly monitors many different 

types of data, including data on vessel positions and water depths as well as information from the Electronic Chart Display and 

Information System. If vessels are about to enter waters where there is a high risk of grounding, the system alerts the SOSC, which 

continuously observes this system and, if necessary, initiates measures by telephoning captains directly to alert them.

A Message from the Chief Safety Officer

Mitsuhisa Tanimoto
Managing Executive Officer
Chief Safety Officer
Director General, Headquarters of 
Safety Operations

MOL is engaged in a wide range of businesses around the world. The Company operates 

approximately 800 vessels and offshore plants, and these vessels and plants are of many 

different types. In addition to established measures for the management of operating vessels’ 

safety and the prevention of accident recurrence, we are further bolstering our ability to 

manage safety levels by backcasting from target profiles and implementing initiatives 

accordingly.

In ensuring safety and advancing our businesses going forward, personnel development is 

essential. To build reliable capabilities for safe operation, we will utilize not only the Japanese 

personnel who form the core of our marine technical divisions but also marine technical spe-

cialists from all over the world. Within the Headquarters of Safety Operations, we have estab-

lished the Global Maritime Resources Division to lead our international policy on assignment 

of seafarers in various nations and the utilization of non-Japanese marine technical special-

ists. Moreover, we have appointed a non-Japanese marine technical specialist to serve as the 

general manager of the new division. We will continue developing as a corporate group in 

which diverse personnel play active roles.

Through our safety campaign and other initiatives, we are fostering a safety culture that is 

common to all Group personnel, regardless of their profession or job. In addition, we will 

promote safe operation through measures focused on both technologies and human factors. 

Specifically, we will utilize information and communications technology (ICT) and DX to support 

vessels from shore and conduct training and drills for crew members.

As chief safety officer, I am committed to raising the safety levels of the MOL Group even 

higher while helping to improve the safety of marine transport through collaborative initiatives 

that involve industry peers and related organizations.

 Creation of New Added Value

Marine Renewable Energy Business Initiatives 
Foraying into all offshore power generation-related business fields, including transport, power 
generation, and peripheral businesses

Marine renewable energy comprises five types of power generation: offshore wind, wave power, tidal power, ocean current, 

and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). By utilizing the inexhaustible supply of seawater and waves as an energy 

source, the realization of power supplies that are stable and particularly resilient to stormy weather is possible. We are 

involved in offshore wind, wave power, tidal power, and OTEC power generation.

Wave Power Generation
In 2020, we began participating in the management of Bombora Wave Power Pty Ltd, a British developer and manufacturer 

of wave power generation equipment. Bombora Wave Power is pursuing the early commercialization and widespread use of 

this type of power generation through the development of generation that uses the company’s mWave™*1 membrane-type 

wave energy converter. Moreover, the company is developing the InSPIRE™ floating platform, which integrates mWave™ with 

floating wind turbines. Demonstration tests of a full-size 1.5 MW 

mWave™ converter are scheduled to begin off the coast of 

Pembroke, Wales, in the second half of 2022. Meanwhile, the 

company plans to conduct demonstration tests of a large-scale 

InSPIRE™ platform around 2025.

As a Bombora Wave Power shareholder, the MOL Group will 

help the company to advance its business. We will also provide 

the company with such practical support as assistance with the 

selection of suitable sites and finding local partners in Japan and 

Mauritius. When the company’s wave power generation becomes 

commercially viable, we will establish synergistic relationships 

between it and our projects related to the offshore wind power 

generation business.

The mWave™ membrane-
type wave energy converter

A rendering of the InSPIRE™ concept whereby mWave™ wave energy 
converters are integrated with the bases of floating wind turbines

*1  Pressure fluctuations below the water surface move rubber membranes in a pumping motion, creating flows of air within the energy conversion system that are 

used to generate power. The system is installed on the seafloors of coastal waters that are between eight and 20 meters deep. The system can operate 24 hours a 
day and is not easily affected by weather conditions as it is installed below the water surface.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
OTEC uses temperature differences of around 20°C between surface water and water at depths of between 750 meters and 

1,000 meters to evaporate ammonia and other media with low boiling points. The resulting steam turns the turbines of genera-

tors, producing electricity. The principle was first proposed in France in 1881, and the development of OTEC has been underway 

since the 1970s. Waters with high surface temperatures, such as those in the vicinity of Okinawa in Japan and equatorial 

regions, are suitable for OTEC. Due to the growing expectations for renewable energy in recent years, development activities 

have been gathering momentum in Japan, the United States, France, and other countries. Since April 2022, we have been col-

laborating with our partners Saga University and Xenesys Inc. to participate in the operation of a 100 kW-class OTEC demonstra-

tion facility in Kumejima, Okinawa. Owned by Okinawa Prefecture, the facility was established in 2013. We are advancing efforts 

with a view to introducing the world’s first 1 MW-class OTEC facility to Okinawa around 2025. We also aim to realize a floating 

OTEC facility in the future.

Initiatives in Mauritius
The government of Mauritius aims to meet 60.0% of the country’s energy needs through renewables by 2030 and has offi-

cially recognized wave power generation as a future power source. Also, past studies have confirmed that conditions in the 

country are highly compatible with the introduction of OTEC. With the cooperation of Japan’s government, the MOL Group is 

verifying suitable sites for wave power generation in the coastal areas of Mauritius. We are also analyzing the introduction of 

OTEC to the country. By introducing to Mauritius the Kumejima model,*2 which utilizes deep ocean water from the seas near 

Kumejima in Okinawa Prefecture, we will not only establish a power generation business but also contribute to the creation 

and development of a wide range of industries.

*2  In this model, deep ocean water is actively used for secondary purposes. After being used for power generation, the water is of sufficiently low temperature for use 
in air-conditioning and industrial applications. In addition, the nutrients in the water can be utilized for aquaculture, agriculture, and the manufacture of beauty 
products. In Mauritius, the water is expected to be used as coolant for data centers and the air-conditioning of accommodation facilities.

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
Environment

Conservation for Marine 
and Global Environment

MOL aims to minimize the negative impacts of its business activities (marine environmental 

pollution, air pollution, reduction of biodiversity, climate change, etc.) and to ensure a sus-

tainable world for everyone.

Initiative Focus

Targets

KPIs

Fiscal 2022 Action Plans

Achieve net zero GHG emissions for 
the entire Group by 2050

Numerical Targets
•  Achieve an approximately 45.0% 
reduction in the GHG emissions 
intensity of transport by 2035 
(compared to that of 2019)

•  Reduce GHG emissions intensity by 
1.4% per year (average up to 2030)

•  GHG emissions and emissions 

intensity

•  Amount of environmental investment 
in climate change countermeasures

Implement strategies set forth in MOL Group Environmental 
Vision 2.1

Set Scope 2 targets

Increase and enhance disclosure based on TCFD recom-
mendations (→page 48)

Strengthen collaboration with Group companies

Reduce negative impact on the marine 
environment and biodiversity

•  Number of vessels equipped with 

ballast water management systems

•  Progress in establishment of 

methods for collecting related data

Consider methods of managing data on waste and 
wastewater

Comply with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial 
Disclosures and other international guidelines

Climate Change 
Countermeasures

Preservation of 
Marine 
Environments

Protection of 
Biodiversity

Prevention of Air 
Pollution

Reduce air pollutants emitted from 
vessels

•  NOx and SOx emissions
•  NOx and SOx emissions intensity

Set quantitative target for SOx emission reduction

Promote shift to clean alternative fuels

Environmental 
Management

Enhance an environmental manage-
ment system incorporating measures 
for compliance with environmental 
regulations

•  Progress in the enhancement and 
operation of the environmental 
management system

Comply with laws and environmental regulations

Improve the operation of the environmental management 
system

Conduct initiatives to improve environmental literacy

For the MOL Group’s environmental initiatives, please also see MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/vision/index.html

 Climate Change Countermeasures: Progress of MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1 Strategies

Strategy 1  Adopt Clean Alternative Fuels
With our sights set on acquiring approximately 90 LNG-fueled 

vessels by 2030, we have already decided on investments in 16 

LNG-fueled oceangoing vessels in the form of eight car carriers, 

six dry bulkers, and two tankers as of the end of August 2022. 

Further, the introduction of many different types of LNG-

fueled oceangoing vessels is under consideration. In addition, 

two LNG-fueled coastal ships have commenced service, and 

we have decided to invest in four LNG-fueled ferries.

Given that using LNG fuel emits less GHG than using 

conventional bunker oil and that LNG has been used for many 

years as a vessel fuel, the MOL Group is advancing the intro-

duction of LNG-fueled vessels as an immediately realizable 

way of reducing GHG emissions.

In parallel with these initiatives, we are studying the 

introduction of vessels fueled by ammonia and hydrogen, 

Projected Composition of the MOL Oceangoing Fleet by Fuel Type*1
(Vessels)

Leading role for 
LNG in the 2020s

Increased use of synthetic 
methane, shifting from LNG

Increased use of 
ammonia and hydrogen

2020

2035

2050

 Oil fuels 

 Biodiesel 

 Ammonia and hydrogen 

 LNG 

 Synthetic methane

*1 Only includes vessels operated by MOL that fall under Scope 1 emissions

which are strong candidates to become carbon-free fuels of the future. However, the establishment of marine engines and other 

technologies compatible with these new fuels as well as the building of fuel supply infrastructures globally will take a considerable 

amount of time. Continuing to use only conventional bunker oil until then would be inappropriate for us from a carbon budget*2 

perspective. In our view, proactive introduction of LNG-fueled vessels will immediately contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions, 

thereby lowering our cumulative GHG emissions until new fuels become widely available and helping us address the global issue of 

climate change.

  Moreover, compared with the use of conventional bunker oil, the use of LNG fuel is likely to reduce the CO2 emission costs aris-

ing from restrictions and taxes on emissions, which are expected to be imposed on international marine transport in the near future. 

The introduction of LNG-fueled vessels ahead of other companies will give us a competitive advantage.

At present, our LNG-fueled vessels use natural gas, which is a fossil fuel. Going forward, however, we will significantly reduce 

GHG emissions by replacing this type of LNG with bio-LNG, which is made from organic waste, and with synthetic methane, which  

is produced through the use of renewable energy sources.

*2  A carbon budget sets the upper limit of permissible cumulative GHG emissions during a specified period that spans the past and future if the rise in global temperatures  

is to be limited to a certain level. The carbon budget approach views humanity as being in the process of using this budget.

For details on initiatives related to ammonia, methanol, batteries, and liquefied hydrogen, please see page 19.

Strategy 2  Enhance Energy-Saving Technologies
October 2022 is scheduled for the completion of the first vessel equipped with the Wind Challenger hard sail wind propulsion 

system, which is expected to reduce GHG emissions by roughly 8.0% on routes between Japan and the West Coast of North America. 

Further, plans have been finalized for the building of a second vessel equipped with the system by 2024. Our initiatives also include 

studies on the introduction of wind propulsion systems enabled by other technologies, such as Rotor Sail and Delta Sails.

Strategy 3  Boost Vessel Operating Efficiency (→page 19)

Strategy 4  Build Business Models That Enable Net Zero GHG Emissions
We are moving forward with a range of initiatives to establish business models that enable net zero emissions. For example, in fiscal 

2021 we introduced internal carbon pricing (→page 19) as a mechanism to facilitate investment decisions that advance us toward 

achieving net zero emissions. In addition, we are acquiring carbon credits through afforestation that absorbs and fixes CO2 (→page 

38), and we are jointly purchasing verified CO2 removals from a range of technology-enabled projects, such as those engaged in the 

GHG,* NOx, and SOx Emissions

(g/Ton-mile) 

(g/Ton-mile)

Number and Percentage of MOL-Owned 
Vessels Equipped with Ballast Water 
Management Systems
(Vessels) 

(%)

Number of Environment-Friendly 
Vessels in Operation

(Vessels)

removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.

18

15

12

9

6

3

0

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0

(FY)

300

240

180

120

60

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

(FY)

18

15

12

9

6

3

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

17

13

11

11

9

Strategy 5   Expand Low- and Zero-Emission Energy Businesses through the Use of the MOL Group’s  

Concentrated Strengths

Aiming to deepen our involvement in the production, transport, storage, and supply stages of clean energy supply chains, we are 

tackling a variety of initiatives, such as a liquefied CO2 marine transport business, demonstration tests under the Wind Hunter 

Project, and a concept study on an FSRU for ammonia fuel. Also, with the aim of reducing GHG emissions by promoting the prolifera-

tion of offshore wind and wave power generation, we have acquired an equity interest in an offshore wind power generation business 

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

in Taiwan (→page 17) and invested in a wave power generation equipment developer in the United Kingdom.

 GHG emissions (left)
 NOx emissions (right) 

 SOx emissions (right)

 Number of vessels equipped at fiscal year-end (left)
 Percentage of vessels equipped at fiscal year-end (right)

 LNG bunkering related 
 Renewable energy related

 Alternative fuel related

* Data presented beginning from fiscal 2019, when aggregation commenced.

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Endorsement of TCFD Recommendations and Conduct of Scenario Analysis
MOL conducts scenario analysis using the TCFD framework to identify risks and opportunities that may arise from climate change. 

With reference to the new TCFD guidance released in October 2021, we are further enhancing analysis and significantly increasing 

disclosure. For example, in fiscal 2022 we added 1.5°C scenarios to the range of scenarios that we use for analysis, which includes 

well-below 2.0°C scenarios, among others.

Please visit our website for details on our disclosure in line with TCFD recommendations.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/tcfd/

determines basic policies on climate change-related matters. 

Environment & Sustainability Committee*

 Governance
To advance initiatives for the Group’s environmental strategies 

and sustainability issues in a manner that is integrated with 

management plans, MOL has established the Environment & 

Sustainability Committee as a subordinate committee of the 

Executive Committee. The former committee deliberates and 

Following its deliberations, particularly important matters  

are reported to the Executive Committee and the Board of 

Directors for discussion and approval.

Formulation of Environment and Sustainability Policies 
and the Supervision of Their Implementation

Board of Directors

Report

Supervise  
and direct

Executive Committee

Report

Supervise  
and direct

*  Chaired by the CESO; 
attended by the CEO, 
the chairman executive 
officer, the CFO, the 
CDO, the CTO, and 
other principal execu-
tive officers; and 
convened 11 times  
in fiscal 2021

Environment & Sustainability 
Strategy Division

Corporate Planning Division

Coordinate

Headquarters of Technology 
Innovations

 Strategy
We conduct scenario analysis-based assessments of climate change impacts to identify the long-term risks and opportunities asso-

ciated with climate change, understand the impacts on our businesses, and incorporate appropriate measures into our management 

plans. In addition to the existing well-below 2.0°C scenario and the 2.6°C scenario, we conducted analysis using a 1.5°C scenario in 

fiscal 2022. Using 2050 as a target year, we assessed the quantitative financial impact of each risk and opportunity. At the same time, 

we verified that in all scenarios the transition plan set out in MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1 will function appropriately as a 

mitigation measure and realize sufficient resilience.

Particularly Significant Risks and Opportunities Identified through Scenario Analysis

Projected effects on profit through 
2050 under the 1.5°C scenario

Specific measures in the transition plan of MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1 and 
the effect on ordinary profit in 2050

Change in marine 
cargo movements

– ¥10.0 billion

Introduction of 
carbon tax

– ¥270.0 billion*

Change in fuel 
costs

+ ¥40.0 billion

Introduction of clean 
alternative fuels
Mitigation of the carbon  
tax impact through  
emission reductions

Expansion of low- and 
zero-emission energy 
businesses
Offshore wind power 
generation-related busi-
nesses and ammonia and 
hydrogen transport, etc.

Reflection of 
higher costs in 
freight rates

Introduction of energy-saving 
technologies
Boosting of vessel operating 
efficiency

+ ¥120.0 billion

+ ¥30.0 billion

+ ¥110.0 billion

+ Further improvement 
of profits

Ensuring resilience to climate change-related risks by implementing the 
mitigation measures set forth in MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1

* Monetary impact if all vessels continued to use oil fuels until 2050

 Risk Management
By classifying major risks related to our overall businesses and mapping these risks based on their impact level and likelihood of 

occurrence, we are preparing to identify important issues. Identified as a major risk through this process, climate change is being 

further classified and assessed by the Environment & Sustainability Committee (→pages 72 to 77).

 Indicators and Targets
MOL conducts management based on a variety of indicators and targets. For example, we disclose emissions intensity and Scope 1, 

2, and 3 GHG emissions, and we have incorporated these indicators into the medium- and long-term targets set out in MOL Group 

Environmental Vision 2.1. Also, we set quantitative targets in management plans for investments in low-carbon and decarbonization 

fields and conduct related performance management. Further, our decisions on investments reflect carbon prices that are calcu-

lated by using internal carbon pricing.

 Preservation of Marine Environments and Protection of Biodiversity

Ballast Water Management
Carried out when loading cargo, the discharge of ballast water by vessels can negatively impact marine ecosystems by transferring 

foreign marine organisms across borders. Before the 2017 enforcement of the Ballast Water Management Convention, in 2014 the MOL 

Group established and began implementing a Groupwide policy of equipping vessels with ballast water treatment systems. As of June 

2022, we have equipped 233 existing vessels and vessels under construction with these systems.

Management of Hull Biofouling
To prevent the adverse effect on biodiversity resulting from the transborder movement of marine organisms attached to hulls (hull 

biofouling), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted various regulatory guidelines, which are currently being 

revised. Our involvement in the revision of international guidelines on hull biofouling entails offering our opinions as a business 

operator through industry associations.

Prevention of Marine Pollution
An international convention requires that vessel fuel tanks and tankers have double hulls, and the MOL Group complies with all 

related conventions and laws.

Based on the MARPOL Convention, we prepare onboard waste management plans requiring the separation, collection, storage, 

and disposal of onboard waste. Further, designated managers ensure all crew members are thoroughly apprised of these plans. We 

also appropriately dispose of onboard waste oil and water.

CASE 1: Participating in the Ocean180 Marine Biodiversity Big Data Project
MOL participates in Ocean180, an industry–academia–government project led by Professor Yasuhiro Kubota of the University of the 
Ryukyus and tasked with protecting marine biodiversity. To this end, the long-term project is using big data on marine life, statistical 
modeling, and artificial intelligence to render ocean ecosystems visible. The project’s name reflects a commitment to turning around 
the ongoing deterioration in marine biodiversity. The MOL Group contributes to the project by providing the operational data from its 
vessels. At the same time, we are using the information and knowledge gained from this project in other initiatives aimed at protecting 
marine biodiversity.

CASE 2: Collecting and Investigating Marine Microplastic and Debris
As of 2022, five of our owned vessels have installed a device jointly developed by MOL and Miura Co., Ltd. for collecting microplastic, 
which refers to plastic grains measuring 5 mm or less. In Southeast Asia, where the problem of marine debris is becoming increas-
ingly severe, we are conducting an investigation with the aim of establishing and introducing a marine debris collection system that 
suits local conditions and uses a specialized vessel to collect marine debris. Also, in the 2019–2020 Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race, 
we cooperated with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology in an ocean plastics observation project.

 Prevention of Air Pollution

SOx emissions countermeasures

•  Utilizing compliant fuel with sulfur content  

of   0.50%

•  Equipping vessels with SOx scrubbers
•  Switching to alternative fuels

Planning to set  
quantitative reduction 
targets for SOx 
emissions

NOx emissions countermeasures

•  Installing onboard SCR  

(selective catalytic reduction) systems

•  Installing onboard EGR  

(exhaust gas recirculation) systems

 Environmental Management

Since 2001, we have been developing and operating our own environmental management system, and the system has obtained 

certification under the ISO 14001 international standard. We will steadily reinforce and improve the operation of this system in line 

with our Environmental Strategy, which is one of the three pillars of our management plan.

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
Human & Community

Contributing to the Growth and 
Development of People and Communities

MOL aims to achieve successful coexistence among everyone involved in the MOL group busi-

nesses and the sustainable growth and development of communities through its activities as a 

corporate group that respects diverse personalities and that can maximize the capabilities of 

every employee.

Initiative Focus

Targets

KPIs

Fiscal 2022 Action Plans

Foster personnel who embody  
MOL CHARTS

Human Resource 
Development

•  Results of activities to instill MOL 

CHARTS Groupwide

•  Training investment and number of 

training days

•  Results of the One MOL Management 

School and the One MOL Global 
Management College training programs 
for the next generation

Secure and develop highly skilled crew 
members 

•  Results of training and e-earning for 

crew members

•  Percentage reduction in overtime 

hours

•  Percentage of paid leave taken

Conduct activities to instill MOL CHARTS Groupwide
Expand and enhance rank-based training and career 
support programs
Strengthen the operation of the talent management system
Implement training programs for the next generation

Regularly conduct training programs
Operate our maritime academy in the Philippines and 
produce high-quality graduates

Introduce a telecommuting system and improve office 
environments
Further reinforce infrastructure for DX
Set new KPIs as well as division-specific KPIs

Work-Style 
Reforms

Diversity & 
Inclusion

Health and 
Productivity 
Management

Stakeholder 
Engagement

Improve human resource competitive-
ness and realize innovation through  
a corporate culture that enables 
employees to work with vitality  
and enthusiasm

Realize a work environment in which 
diverse personnel can play active roles

Numerical Targets
•  Percentage of women in managerial 

positions by fiscal 2025:

  — All managerial positions   7.0%
  — Land-based managerial positions  

 10.0%

  — Land-based Team Leader class 
managerial positions   20.0%

Encourage employees to take the 
initiative in improving their own health

Numerical Targets
•  Percentage of employees receiving 

regular health checks: 100.0%

•  Percentage of employees receiving 

stress checks:   90.0%

•  Percentage of employees who smoke: 

 10.0% by fiscal 2025

Enhance dialogue with major stake-
holders and reflect their concerns in 
business management

•  Percentage of women in respective 

employee ranks

•  Percentage of non-Japanese officers 

at overseas subsidiaries

•  Use of the reemployment system
•  Percentage of mid-career hires

Upgrade and expand the childcare leave system
Hold dialogues for female employees of domestic Group 
companies
Promote the recruitment of local employees at overseas 
subsidiaries
Upgrade and expand the reemployment system

•  Percentage of employees receiving 

regular health checks

•  Percentage of employees receiving 

stress checks

•  Percentage of employees who smoke

Rigorously ensure that employees receive regular health 
checks and strengthen post-check follow-ups
Rigorously ensure that employees receive stress checks
Conduct interviews with employees assigned overseas
Hold seminars on health

Advancement of 
Local Communities

Increase activities that contribute to the 
development of the local communities 
where we conduct business activities

•  Results of corporate citizenship 

activities

•  Progress of activities benefiting local 

communities in Mauritius

Conduct corporate citizenship activities
Conduct activities benefiting local communities in Mauritius

Number and Percentage of Women in 
Managerial Positions

Number and Percentage of Mid-Career 
Hires among Land-Based Employees 

Health and Productivity Management 
Indicators

(Women) 

(People) 

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

(%)

20

15

10

250

200

150

100

50

0

(%)

25

20

15

10

(%)

100

80

60

40

20

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

5

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

5

0

   Number of women in land-based and sea-based 
managerial positions (left)
  Percentage of women in land-based and sea-based 
managerial positions (right)
  Percentage of women in land-based managerial 
positions (right)
  Percentage of women in land-based Team Leader class 
managerial positions (right)

   Number of mid-career hires in land-based 
positions (cumulative total) (left)
  Percentage of mid-career hires among land-
based employees (right)

  Percentage of employees receiving regular  
health checks
  Percentage of employees receiving stress checks
 Percentage of employees who smoke

 Human Resource Development

Instillment of MOL CHARTS Groupwide
Revised in April 2021, the acronym CHARTS stands for challenge, honesty, accountability, reliability, teamwork, and safety and 

encapsulates a set of values shared by Group employees worldwide. We established the values in their current form by adding an 

“S” to the MOL CHART values originally established in 2015. We have promoted the new CHARTS by conducting the activities out-

lined in the table below.

Fiscal 2021 Initiatives for the Instillment of MOL CHARTS Groupwide

Overseas

Japan

In Japan and overseas, conferences aimed at 
furthering understanding of the MOL Group 
Corporate Mission, the MOL Group Vision, and 
MOL CHARTS were held.

In 15 countries, subsidiaries held workshops in which 573 participants deepened 
their understanding of MOL CHARTS by giving presentations on personal interpreta-
tions of the values to fellow participants.

To provide individual participants with opportunities to consider the significance of 
MOL CHARTS in relation to their particular position, we held approximately 100 
CHARTS TALK sessions under a range of formats, including discussions among 
executive officers and sessions focused on specific topics and divisions.

Training Programs for the Next Generation
In addition to the use of external training programs, we are expanding and enhancing 

our original training programs for those personnel who are candidates to become the 

officers responsible for business management in the coming generation. At the core 

of these in-house programs are the One MOL Management School and the One MOL 

Global Management College (MGMC). Held since fiscal 2000, One MOL Management 

School gives trainees the fundamental skills needed for business management. Since 

fiscal 2021, the school has been focusing on creative leadership that recognizes the 

nature of innovation and inspires originality in organizations. In fiscal 2006, we 

launched the MGMC, which improves the management skills that leaders of global-

ized operations require to unite and mobilize diverse organizations.

In fiscal 2021, due to restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we held 

the school and college programs entirely online, and the programs were mainly par-

ticipated partnered in by personnel from overseas subsidiaries worldwide.

MOL Group Senior Executives

One MOL 
Management  
School

One MOL Global 
Management  
College (MGMC)

Domestic 
Group 
company 
employees

MOL 
employees

Overseas 
Group 
company 
employees

  Work-Style Reforms Maximizing Job Satisfaction, Employee-Friendliness, and Group Performance

reforms, workplace reforms, productivity improvements, and corporate culture reforms.

  Our personnel system reforms included the introduction of a telecommuting system in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 

pandemic. Following multifaceted analysis of work styles, we introduced a permanent telecommuting system in July 2022. The new 

system is aimed at maximizing job satisfaction and employee-friendliness. At the same time, the system is designed to boost the 

MOL Group’s performance as an organization by facilitating collaboration. In introducing the system, we have organized seminars  

on telecommuting that are conducted by an outside company and offered employees a range of telecommuting advice through an 

email magazine.

In conjunction with the introduction of telecommuting and as part of workplace reforms, we will remodel our Head Office to 

further develop safety awareness, improve work efficiency, deepen communication, and strengthen team building. Based on the 

insights gained from a pilot office established on the 5th floor, which has already been remodeled, the new-look Head Office will be 

an interconnected space that constantly and seamlessly integrates office work with working from home and that heightens safety 

awareness by locating sales divisions near the Safety Operations Headquarters. We will phase in the use of the remodeled parts of 

the Head Office beginning fall 2022. Also in fiscal 2022, we will advance work-style reforms for sea-based employees. As with land-

based employees, we will take a range of measures to promote job satisfaction and employee-friendliness. We will create attractive, 

comfortable workplaces and actively improve offices and living quarters on vessels. Further, through initiatives aimed at empower-

ing female employees, we will develop employee-friendly, rewarding environments not only for female employees but for all sea-

based employees. To improve productivity, we will enhance the quality of meetings, streamline and clarify duties, and utilize tools 

such as robotic process automation. As for corporate culture reforms, we will expand and enhance engagement surveys and 360-

degree evaluations and utilize corporate culture assessments.

•  Results of stakeholder engagement

Increase opportunities for dialogue with major stakeholders

innovative ideas and new concepts, the MOL Group is pursuing work-style reforms focused on four main areas: personnel system 

Aiming to increase employee productivity and fulfillment and thereby establish an environment that encourages the emergence of 

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 Diversity & Inclusion

 Stakeholder Engagement

In April 2021, we established the Diversity & Inclusion Management Basic Policy, which identifies the advancement of diversity & 

Recognizing that our important stakeholders include shareholders and investors, customers, business partners, employees, govern-

inclusion as a new driver of growth. With this policy forming the core of its human resource strategy, the MOL Group will build 

ment agencies, local communities, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), we engage in the various forms of stakeholder 

frameworks for combining the diverse talents and attributes of Group employees around the world and thereby enabling the creation 

dialogue shown in the table below. By utilizing the valuable opinions obtained through these dialogues in management, we will 

of new value.

advance business activities in line with the needs of society and help address a range of social issues.

Empowerment of Women
The empowerment of female employees is essential in promoting diversity & inclusion. As a company that excels at promoting 

women in the workplace, we earned selection as a “Nadeshiko Brand” company in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021. As well as existing 

support that helps employees meet work and childcare responsibilities, we will raise the percentage of women in managerial posi-

tions by empowering women in line with an action plan based on the Act on Promotion of Women’s Participation and Advancement in 

the Workplace. As part of these efforts, on International Women’s Day we will partner with other companies to hold joint events 

focused on career development and self-development.

Mid-Career Hires
Since 2001, we have been conducting mid-career hiring to attract and develop a diverse workforce. As a result, about a quarter of 

our land-based employees in career-track and managerial positions are mid-career hires. By welcoming into our workforce people 

with many different types of individuality and attributes—such as experience, personal qualities, skills, and values—we are achieving 

diversity & inclusion.

Employment of People with Disabilities
With a diverse workforce as a premise, the MOL Group is creating workplace environments that enable all employees to utilize their 

abilities and fostering an organizational culture that encourages mutual understanding among the various individuals in the Group. 

In accordance with these efforts, since April 2021 we have been employing people with disabilities through the MOL RAISE in-house 

farm program, which operates in Koshigaya in Saitama Prefecture. By enabling Head Office employees and officers to visit the farm 

and participate in cultivation and harvesting and by using the farm’s fresh vegetables as ingredients at the Head Office cafeteria, we 

encourage a wide range of employees and officers to think about those different from themselves, helping create an organization 

based on respect for diversity.

 Health and Productivity Management

In April 2021, we formulated the Declaration on Health and Productivity Management. Viewing the enhancement of employee health 

as an important management task, we are further developing initiatives aimed at the Groupwide dissemination and promotion of the 

values set out in the declaration. Since becoming the first shipping company selected as a Health & Productivity Stock by the Tokyo 

Stock Exchange and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, we have earned this recognition for a second consecutive year.

The Human Resources Division plays a central role in providing tailored support and encouragement to employees in coordina-

tion with MOL’s health insurance association and with a team of industrial health personnel consisting of industrial doctors, internal 

medicine doctors, psychiatrists, certified psychologists, health nurses, and massage therapists. Through training and various other 

measures, we are raising employees’ awareness of health management. Also, we are rigorously ensuring that employees receive 

regular health checks and increasing the percentage of employees that receive stress checks to prevent mental health disorders. 

Other initiatives include a smoking cessation support program, which is reducing the percentage of employees who smoke.

A Message from the Chief Human Resource Officer

In addition to conventional marine transport, the MOL Group is developing various social infra-

structure businesses and taking on new challenges to meet society’s changing needs with 

respect to such issues as environmental protection. In all of these businesses, personnel are 

the driving force of initiatives. As the Chief Human Resource Officer, I would like to contribute 

to the initiatives of each business.

  Given that securing and developing diverse human resources is an urgent issue for the 

Group, which aims to achieve global growth by leveraging its comprehensive capabilities, we 

will create an environment that enables individuals to demonstrate their talents and play 

active roles.

Junko Moro
Managing Executive Officer
Chief Human Resource Officer
Responsible for the Human  
Resources Division

Important 
Stakeholders

Shareholders and 
Investors

Main Types of Dialogue (Frequency)

•  General meetings of shareholders (once a year), financial results 

•  Small meetings with the CEO (general version: four times a year, 

briefings (four times a year, two of which are conducted by the CEO)
•  Investor relations meetings in Japan and overseas (approximately 200 
times a year), stakeholder relations meetings (approximately 20 times  
a year)

•  Business briefings for investors and ESG briefings (once or twice a year)
•  Company briefings for individual investors (several times a year)

ESG version: once a year)

•  Small meetings with outside directors (planned for fiscal 2022)
•  Various reports (securities report, corporate governance report, 

integrated report, and investor guidebook, each once a year)

Customers

•  Sales activities (year-round)
•  Website and social networking services (year-round)
•  MOL service website and inquiry desk (as needed)

•  Vessel visits (cargo-handling tours, as needed)
•  Customer satisfaction surveys (irregular)
•  Various seminars and exhibitions (irregular)

Business Partners

•  Shipowner meetings (once a year)
•  Safe operation liaison meetings with shipowners (once a year)
•  Agency and stevedore meetings (once or twice a year)

•  Safe operation campaigns (once a year)
•  Various seminars and exhibitions (irregular)

Employees and Crews

•  Personnel evaluation meetings (four times a year)
•  Organizational culture assessments (every two years)
•  Labor–management consultations (as needed)
•  Advisory service desks (as needed)
•  In-house magazines (printed and online, as needed)

•  Business performance and management presentations (four times 

a year)

•  Dialogues between management and employees (at least 10 times 

a year)

•  Seafarer Family Days (once a year)
•  Safety Conferences (three times a year)

Government Agencies

•  Dialogue with government agencies and municipal authorities (as 

needed)

•  Cooperation in surveys and questionnaires (as needed)

Local Communities and 
NGOs

•  NGO round-table discussions (once a year)
•  Social contribution activities in Mauritius (throughout the year)
•  Beach cleanup activities (several times a year)

• Cargo-handling and terminal tours (irregular)
•  Workplace visits by students and events that explain businesses 

(as needed)

•  Sending of instructors to lectures and training programs (as needed)

 Advancement of Local Communities

The MOL Group has engaged in restoration and preservation of the natural environ-

ment and contribution to local communities in Mauritius since an oil spill resulting 

from the running aground of chartered vessel the WAKASHIO in 2020.

  We established the MOL Charitable Trust in June 2021 and the MOL Mauritius 

International Fund for Natural Environment Recovery and Sustainability in November 

2021. The trust and fund are in the process of steadily disbursing a total of approxi-

mately ¥800.0 million. In December 2021, 26 projects were selected to receive grants 

from the trust, while in May 2022 it was decided to provide grants to 11 projects from 

the fund.

Offering support to local fishermen in Mauritius

Through the trust and fund, we will provide long-term support focused on the 

restoration and conservation of the rich natural environment and ecosystems of 

Mauritius, including mangrove forests and coral reefs; protection and research activi-

ties for wild birds and migratory birds, including indigenous species; the development 

of fisheries, tourism, and cultural activities, which form the foundations of the 

Mauritian economy; and the training of local personnel to support all of these activi-

ties. Also, we aim to contribute to the sustainable economic development of the coun-

try. To this end, we are conducting feasibility studies on the introduction of such 

marine renewable energy as wave power generation and ocean thermal energy 

 conversion generation.

For details on our other initiatives for local communities, please visit the Social Contribution Activities 
section of our website.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/human/society/index.html

For details on our activities in Mauritius, please visit the MOL for Mauritius website.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/formauritius/

Conducting a mangrove monitoring survey

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Innovation

Innovation for Development in  
Marine Technology

MOL aims to enhance its business through advanced technologies using clean energy and ICT 

and to help address various social issues. This will also help the Group to provide added value 

through safe transportation and our social infrastructure business and achieve its goal of con-

servation for marine and global environment.

Initiative Focus

Targets

KPIs

Fiscal 2022 Action Plans

•  Number of alternative clean energy 
fueled vessels ordered and com-
pleted and progress in developing 
these vessels

Promote the development of related technologies
  — Ammonia-fueled vessels, vessels that use hydrogen as 

fuel, and Wind Hunter

Increase the introduction of LNG-fueled vessels

Collect basic information on new alternative fuels

Groupwide 
Adoption of Clean 
Energy

Introduce and increase the use of clean 
alternative fuels for vessels

Numerical Targets
•  Deploy commercial net zero GHG 
emissions oceangoing vessels in  
the 2020s

•  Deploy 90 LNG-fueled vessels  

by 2030

•  Deploy approximately 110 net zero 

GHG emissions oceangoing vessels  
by 2035

Develop technologies that contribute 
to the spread of clean energy in society

Increasing the 
Energy Efficiency 
of Vessels

Use natural energy and establish and 
promote energy-saving technologies 
that help improve propulsion 
performance

•  Progress in developing clean energy 

carriers

•  Number of LNG and ammonia 
bunkering vessels ordered and 
completed

•  Number of vessels equipped with 
wind propulsion systems such as 
Wind Challenger

•  Progress in introducing and promot-
ing other existing energy-saving 
technologies

ICT Utilization for 
Safe, Efficient 
Operation

Advancement of 
Technology 
Development and 
DX

Upgrade, expand, and establish 
platforms using vessel-related big 
data (the FOCUS Project)

•  Progress of the FOCUS Project
•  Number of vessels equipped with 

Fleet Transfer*1

Establish technologies for autonomous 
vessel navigation

•  Progress in developing technologies 
for autonomous vessel navigation

Establish an organizational structure 
that sustains technology innovation

•  R&D expenditures

Establish an organizational structure 
that promotes the realization of DX

•  Amount of DX-related investment
•  Number of DX-related personnel

Promote the development of relevant technologies
  — Liquefied CO2 carriers and liquefied hydrogen carriers

Conduct a study on the development of LNG and ammonia 
bunkering vessels

Introduce lighter sails designed for commercialization

Conduct a study with a view to the installation of a cylindri-
cal rotor sail

Introduce and adopt energy-saving technologies
  — Propeller Boss Cap Fins and the Optimal Trim System

Upgrade FOCUS Project initiatives

Promote the introduction of Fleet Transfer to chartered 
vessels

Conduct data analysis with a view to economizing on fuel

Develop technologies for the diagnosis of equipment defect 
precursors

Formulate a development plan in light of sea trials

Select partners and conduct verification with a view to 
installation

Enhance organizational structure for technology 
development

Launch new development projects that will lead to benefits 
in relation to environmental protection, safety, and labor-
saving technologies

Strengthen collaboration among MOL and Group companies

Establish the MOL DX Vision

Promote various DX projects such as quantitative evalua-
tions of the quality of shipowners and ship management

Establish a DX training and recruitment policy and imple-
ment measures

Progress of the FOCUS Project

Initiating the 
project in 
phases

Fleet Tour*2

Fleet Performance*3

Fleet Viewer*4

Fleet Transfer

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

Number and Percentage of Vessels 
Equipped with Fleet Transfer
(Vessels) 

(%)

Number of Clean Alternative Energy 
Fueled Vessels Ordered
(Vessels)

200

160

120

80

40

0

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

(FY)

10

8

6

4

2

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

  Number of equipped vessels at fiscal year-end (left)
  As a percentage of target for number of equipped 
vessels (right)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

*1 A system that collects IoT big data from vessels in real time and sends it to shoreside platforms  *2 An application for virtual tours of vessels
*3 An application for the analysis of vessel propulsion performance  *4 An application for the advanced monitoring of ship data

 Groupwide Adoption of Clean Energy

Initiatives for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels
We are developing technologies related to ammonia fuel, a promising next-generation clean alternative to LNG fuel. Although 

ammonia-fueled marine engines have yet to be commercialized, we have launched a pilot project by concluding a memorandum  

of understanding with MAN Energy Solutions and Mitsui E&S Machinery, Ltd., with a view to ordering vessel main engines that  

are primarily fueled by ammonia.

Further, aiming to build an ammonia-fueled oceangoing ammonia carrier, we 

have begun joint development with Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Mitsui E&S 

Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. The envisioned vessel is a mid-size ammonia carrier that 

achieves net zero CO2 emissions while underway by using some of its ammonia 

cargo as fuel. Moreover, the project is tasked with designing a highly versatile vessel 

that can call at the major ammonia loading and receiving ports and be deployed on a 

wide variety of routes. We will proceed with joint development aimed at the comple-

tion and service commencement of an inaugural commercial net zero GHG emis-

sions oceangoing vessel around 2026, thereby progressing toward one of the targets 

set out in MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1.

Development of Liquefied CO₂ Carriers
In March 2021, MOL began participating in the liquefied CO₂ ocean transport business by investing in Norway’s Larvik Shipping AS, 

which has managed industrial liquefied CO₂ carriers in Europe for more than 30 years. Further, with our sights set on future growth 

in transport demand, we are developing specialized carriers. Envisioning a range of 

transport needs, we completed a concept study on multiple vessel types with 

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in November 2021.

Liquefied CO₂ carriers will play an important role in the carbon capture, utiliza-

tion, and storage value chain, attracting attention as a means of realizing a low-

carbon or carbon-free society. For MOL, demand for the transport of liquefied CO₂ 

has the potential to replace demand for the transport of fossil energy resources, 

which is expected to gradually decline. Although issues remain to be resolved before 

liquefied CO₂ carriers can be commercialized, we will continue utilizing a wide range 

of internal and external expertise to advance development initiatives.

Wind Hunter Project
Following on from the Wind Challenger Project (→page 56), which is developing a hard sail that enables wind-power propulsion, 

since November 2020 we have been working on the Wind Hunter Project to achieve zero emissions through the use of wind power, 

hydrogen, and fuel cells. In November 2021, we successfully completed stage one sea trials using the yacht WINZ MARU equipped 

with a small power generation plant in Omura Bay, Nagasaki Prefecture. At sea, a cycle was completed in the following order: ocean 

wind-based power generation, hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, use of the stored hydrogen for fuel cell power generation, 

and propulsion by an electric propeller. In stage two, we will build a 60-meter-long sailing vessel by 2024. Stage three will entail 

developing and building a large zero-emissions carrier by 2030.

A sea trial using the yacht WINZ MARU in Omura 
Bay, Nagasaki

WINZ MARU sailing on electricity generated by 
wind power

A rendering of the vessel to be built in stage two

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 Increasing the Energy Efficiency of Vessels

Wind Power Utilization
MOL is engaged in a range of initiatives aimed at exploiting the power of wind, an important energy-saving solution. One such initia-

tive is the Wind Challenger Project, which is tasked with reducing the fossil fuel consumption and environmental impact of large 

commercial vessels by converting wind power into propulsion through the use of a hard sail. A single hard sail is estimated to 

reduce GHG emissions by roughly 5.0% on routes between Japan and Australia and 8.0% on routes between Japan and the West 

Coast of North America. We aim to achieve even greater benefits by installing multiple hard sails and using them in combination 

with other GHG emission reduction measures. A new coal carrier—which will become the first vessel equipped with the hard sail—is 

currently in the final stages of construction and is scheduled for completion in October 2022. Further, we have concluded a contract 

for the construction of a second hard sail equipped vessel, which is for Enviva 

Partners, LP, a major global company in the wood biomass energy field.

  We will become a leading company in the use of wind power by introducing 

technologies optimally suited to particular vessel sizes, cargoes, and routes. 

In addition to the Wind Challenger hard sail, we will introduce a cylindrical 

Rotor Sail, which utilizes the Magnus effect for propulsion, and a delta sail, 

which is mounted on cargo handling cranes.

Wind Challenger concept video (in Japanese only)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuDP-Flmemk

Full-sail Wind Challenger

Lowered-sail Wind Challenger

 ICT Utilization for Safe, Efficient Operation

Use of Digital Twin Technology
The rapid development of big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other ICT is increasing the possibilities for using ICT at sea and 

between vessels and land. Our core initiative for the exploitation of ICT is the FOCUS Project, which was launched in fiscal 2018. We 

utilize detailed voyage and engine data on operation in actual seas, which is collected from approximately 10,000 sensors installed in 

each vessel. Roughly 180 operating vessels were equipped with sensors as of the end of March 2022. After being stored on a cloud-

computing data platform, the data is utilized for advanced operational monitoring as well as the analysis of propulsive performance.

As part of the FOCUS Project, we are taking advantage of digital twin technology, which digitally reproduces real-world events in 

real time. In a virtual space, a copy of reality is constructed on a digital system, and various simulations are then performed. The 

analysis of simulation results enables us to optimize real-world actions. The MOL Group is advancing development initiatives under 

the themes shown in the table below.

Hull Structure

Based on the stress that has been placed on a hull since its 
completion, structural fatigue is precisely estimated, and hull 
maintenance work is optimized during periodic docking.

Main Engine 
Operation

With a high level of precision, engines’ operating conditions and 
degree of deterioration over time are estimated and engine 
characteristics are analyzed through the visualization of main 
engine scavenging and exhaust gas heat, which are difficult to 
measure during navigation. The results are used to prevent engine 
overload (torque rich) and curb torque fluctuations during opera-
tion in stormy weather, thereby facilitating optimal, safe operation.

Route 
Recommendation

Based on the analysis of a vessel’s propulsion performance in 
actual seas and weather and sea forecast information, the optimal 
route and propulsion output for reducing GHG emissions while 
ensuring safety and punctuality are selected and recommended.

Autonomous Vessel Navigation
With the aims of enhancing safety levels and lightening the workloads of crew members, the MOL Group is working on the develop-

ment and introduction of technologies for autonomous vessel navigation. Given that about 80% of navigation accidents are attribut-

able to human error, we will reduce the risk of accidents by using technologies for autonomous vessel navigation to perform tasks 

currently performed by crews.

In fiscal 2021, MOL participated in the MEGURI 2040, a project led by the Nippon Foundation that is focused on the unmanned 

operation of vessels. Under the project, a consortium of six companies conducted successful sea trials of the unmanned operation of 

the coastal car ferry Sunflower Shiretoko on the approximately 400-nautical-mile route between Tomakomai Port in Hokkaido and 

Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture and of the coastal containership Mikage on the approximately 145-nautical-mile route between 

Tsuruga Port in Fukui Prefecture and Sakai Port in Tottori Prefecture. The ferry is owned and operated by MOL Ferry Co., Ltd., while 

the containership is owned by Imoto Ship Company and operated by Imoto Lines, Ltd. In the aforementioned sea trials, an autono-

mous vessel operation control system, developed by Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, realized autonomous vessel navigation by referring to 

accurate analysis of vessel location information; wind, tides, currents, and various other external factors; vessel-specific attributes 

such as maneuverability, acceleration and deceleration performance, and equipment configuration; and rules applied to vessels. If 

there were other ships, obstacles, or debris on the set routes, the vessels safely navigated along avoidance routes based on informa-

tion gathered and provided by a vessel peripheral information integration system developed by Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. Berthing 

and unberthing, which require especially delicate handling, were realized by enabling the autonomous vessel operation control 

system to use information from berthing and unberthing support sensors developed by Furuno Electric. When mooring a vessel in 

port, an onboard crew member normally passes a heaving line to a worker on the pier by throwing the line. In these sea trials, how-

ever, an automatic flight drone, which was developed by A.L.I. Technologies Inc., was used to carry the line to piers.

In addition to participating in the initiatives of the aforementioned consortium, the MOL Group is developing elemental technolo-

gies with the aim of realizing automated watch-keeping and the automated creation of routes that avoid collisions with other ves-

sels. We will continue devising and introducing technologies to heighten safety levels and reduce the workload of crews.

 Advancement of Technology Development and DX

A Message from the Chief Technical Officer

Makoto Yamaguchi
Executive Officer
Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
Director General, Headquarters of 
Technology Innovations

2022

2016

2009

In April 2022, we established a new slogan for technology development: One Mile Ahead. 

This slogan continues the themes of the Senpaku ISHIN Project and ISHIN NEXT–MOL 

SMART SHIP PROJECT, which were launched in 2009 and 2016, respectively, as symbols of 

technological innovation aimed at advancing the safety and environment-friendliness of 

vessel operations. The new slogan for technology development expresses our determination 

to steadily move forward “one mile” at a time in the way that a vessel voyaging in stormy 

weather heads toward its destination no matter how rough the seas. Further, the slogan 

represents our commitment as an industry-leading corporate group to always pursue tech-

nologies that are “one mile” ahead.

  Announced in June 2021, MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1 calls on us to achieve net zero 

GHG emissions for the entire Group by 2050. The advancement of our strategies, which involve 

numerous technological innovations, is a mission we must fulfill to help address the environ-

mental issues that the world is facing. Given the major changes that the entire logistics industry 

is undergoing as DX progresses, technical personnel will play integral roles in technology 

 development and innovation initiatives. At the core of such initiatives is the Headquarters of 

Technology Innovations, which comprises the Technical Division, the Offshore Technical Division, 

and the Smart Shipping Division. As well as being assigned roles in these divisions and related 

sales divisions, our technical personnel are responsible for supervision and vessel management 

in relation to the shipbuilding projects of Group companies. Currently, we have 80 technical 

personnel in Japan and 14 technical personnel assigned to overseas bases.

  Going forward, the Headquarters of Technology Innovations will concentrate on three goals.

•  Resolving various issues in the marine transport industry by using leading-edge ICT
•  Reducing environmental impact by lowering GHG emissions through the utilization of wind 

power as a renewable energy and the introduction of clean alternative fuels

•  Benefiting society as a whole not only through vessels but also by promoting marine environ-
mental conservation, FSRUs, offshore wind power generation-related businesses, and lique-
fied CO2 marine transport.

In addition to augmenting our technical teams in Japan and overseas, we will strengthen 

partnerships with external organizations. Under our new slogan for technology development, 

we will make a concerted drive toward our target profile, focusing efforts on the development 

of unique technologies that leverage both hardware in the form of elemental technologies and 

software in the form of IT.

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
Governance

Governance and Compliance to  
Support Businesses

Through enhancement of corporate governance and thorough compliance, MOL aims to ensure 

transparency in Groupwide management, build foundations for its initiatives on social issues 

through business activities, and establish sustainable value chains based on consideration for 

human rights, safety, and the environment. 

Initiative Focus

Targets

KPIs

Fiscal 2022 Action Plans

Management 
Transparency

Strengthen corporate governance 
capabilities with a view to enhancing 
corporate value

Enhance the content of corporate 
governance related disclosure

•  Results of effectiveness external 

evaluations to measure effectiveness 
of the Board of Directors

•  Progress of deliberations of the 
Corporate Governance Council

Establish and disclose policy and plan for enhancing the 
skills of directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members

Establish and disclose policy for cross-shareholdings and 
engagement with shareholders

Rebuild the skills matrix for directors and Audit & 
Supervisory Board members

Information 
Security

Reduce information security risks

•  Number of serious ICT incidents
•  E-learning track record in relation to 

information security

Revise internal rules and ensure all employees are 
informed about them

Establish a policy on ransomware countermeasures

Conduct drills for responding to serious ICT incidents

Conduct e-learning on information security

Strengthen collaboration with Group companies

Identify and reduce risks related to the 
environment, safety, and human rights 
throughout supply chains

•  Progress of initiatives to establish a 

monitoring scheme

•  Track record on human rights 

training

Announce related policies

Conduct monitoring and implement improvement measures

Promote initiatives on ESG-driven vessel recycling

Conduct human rights-related training

Responsible 
Procurement

Respect for 
Human Rights

Fair Trade

Numerical Targets
• Zero compliance violations

Bribery Prevention

•  Number of compliance violations
•  Number of consultations received by 
compliance advisory service desks
•  Track record on compliance training 

and e-learning

Establish policy on corruption prevention

Expand compliance training and e-learning

Hold a compliance awareness month

Conduct various audits and implement improvement 
measures

Total Number of Directors and 
Number and Percentage of Outside 
Directors
(Directors) 

(%)

Number of ICT Security Incidents

(Incidents)

10

8

6

4

2

0

50

40

30

20

10

0

(FY)

60

48

36

24

12

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

  Total number of directors (left)
  Number of outside directors (left)
 Percentage of outside directors (right)

  Total number of incidents
  Number of serious incidents*

Number of Consultations Received by 
Internal and External Compliance 
Advisory Service Desks
(Consultations)

40

32

24

16

8

0

30

12

8

15

7

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

(FY)

   Consultations about violations of laws and 
regulations
  Consultations about harassment
  Consultations about violations of internal rules

*  Incidents are defined as threats, failures, and other events that damage ICT systems or information assets. Incidents are classified into four levels according to severity. 

Incidents corresponding to the highest level of severity are classified as serious incidents and are reported to management when they occur.

 Revision of the Director Remuneration Plan

In regard to its governance system, MOL is a company with an Audit & Supervisory Board, and the Board of Directors has both exec-

utive and supervisory functions. With the aim of realizing appropriate management decisions and sound governance, outside direc-

tors and Audit & Supervisory Board members focus on supervision and participate in discussions with internal directors, who also 

serve as executive officers, that reflect internal and external perspectives.

The remuneration plan is one of the most important means of ensuring highly effective governance. Balance and fairness are 

required to establish and maintain a remuneration plan that exercises a certain degree of control over directors while motivating 

them to increase corporate value. For this reason, the Remuneration Advisory Committee, a majority of whose members are outside 

directors, and which is chaired by an outside director, takes the lead in development of the Company’s governance system.

In fiscal 2021, the director remuneration plan was significantly revised based on the recommendations of the Remuneration 

Advisory Committee and following the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders convened in June 2021. Under the new 

system, to further promote the establishment of shared interests between executive directors and shareholders, performance-

linked remuneration in the form of restricted stock is granted commensurate with contribution to long-term targets. Also, the new 

system clarifies and discloses the evaluation indicators for single fiscal year performance-based monetary remuneration. Further, 

safety has been incorporated as a component of ESG indicators to reflect the paramount importance of safety to the Company.

As well as the revision of the remuneration plan in fiscal 2021, in June 2022 the General Meeting of Shareholders approved the 

introduction of non-performance-linked remuneration in the form of restricted stock for non-executive directors and higher remu-

neration of Audit & Supervisory Board members to reflect their increased responsibilities and duties in recent years.

  While advancing management in accordance with the new remuneration plan, the Remuneration Advisory Committee will con-

stantly verify whether the system is contributing to effective governance, highly transparent management, and the Company’s sus-

tained growth.

For details on the remuneration plan, please see page 70. 

 Revitalization Revision of the Skills Matrix

The basic policy of the Company is to appoint directors based on the recommendations of the Nomination Advisory Committee and 

to establish a Board of Directors that comprises internal directors who can contribute to the enhancement of the Company’s corpo-

rate value—based on a wealth of experience, expertise, and skills as well as an ability to make decisions on global management in 

light of broad  perspectives and farsightedness—and outside directors who can realize supervisory functions—based on objective 

viewpoints, extensive experience, and high levels of expertise.

Since fiscal 2019, the Company has stipulated the experience, expertise, and skills that members of the Board of Directors should 

possess. Following in-depth discussions aimed at identifying and selecting the particular types of experience, expertise, and skill 

needed to realize the Company’s target corporate profile, however, the Nomination Advisory Committee made the following revisions.

Main Features of the Revisions
•  With respect to experience, expertise, and skills, a general classification of the five types that are universally important in 

corporate management as well as the four types that are particularly important for a provider of social infrastructure

•  Addition of human resource diversity as a fundamental component of sustainability

•  Addition of safety as the most important foundation of businesses

•  Addition of technology as an essential factor in fields central to the Company’s future growth, including decarbonization 

businesses, safe and efficient operation, and DX

The short-listing and selection of candidates for the position of CEO and other director positions is conducted with reference to 

whether candidates possess the experience, expertise, and skills identified as necessary in the skills matrix. Meanwhile, given that 

these attributes may change as the business environment evolves, the Company will continue reviewing the content of the skills 

matrix. In addition to providing opportunities for directors to broaden their experience, expertise, and skills through training and 

development, the Company will appoint advisors to enhance the functions of the Board of Directors as required.

58

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InnovationMITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceValue Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Sustainability Strategy Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
Dialogue between the Chairman and an Outside Director

Aiming to Enhance Corporate Value through  
Tireless Improvement of Governance

Over the past few years, the MOL Group has accelerated governance reforms through 

such measures as revising the director remuneration plan and the formulation of  

succession plans. What have these reforms achieved? What are the remaining issues? 

How should governance evolve to reflect the Group’s ongoing advance into a different 

growth phase? To address such questions, a dialogue was held between Junichiro Ikeda, 

MOL’s representative director and chairman executive officer, and Etsuko Katsu, one of 

the Company’s outside directors.

(The dialogue was held in April 2022.)

Junichiro Ikeda
Representative Director
Chairman Executive Officer

Governance Improvement through  
the Active Involvement of Outside Directors

such as those stemming from revisions to Japan’s Corporate 

Governance Code. I recognize that proactively responding to 

these expectations remains extremely important.

Katsu

 Looking back on the years since I assumed the 

position of outside director, I believe that MOL has made great 

strides in governance. From the outset, I felt that both board 

market system and the creation of the Prime Market in April 

identified; and request that the Nomination Advisory 

2022, I believe that in-house awareness of the need to take 

Committee and the Remuneration Advisory Committee hold 

the initiative in advancing reform is stronger than ever.

further discussions on certain issues.

Ikeda

  As an example of how the opinions of outside direc-

Katsu

  As the number of topics requiring discussion at 

tors have dictated the direction of the Group, our discussions 

Board meetings increased, I also felt that the time available 

when formulating MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1, which 

for discussing governance was becoming limited in Board 

was announced by the Company in 2021, left a particularly 

meetings. In addition, I think holding discussions at a venue 

strong impression on me. The vision calls on us to achieve net 

separate from Board meetings is conducive to the creation of 

zero GHG emissions for the entire Group by 2050. The goal 

an atmosphere in which opinions can be exchanged among 

initially proposed by executive officers was less ambitious. 

both internal and outside directors more freely than before. 

However, the unequivocal statements of an outside director to 

Further, we have designed the administration of the council 

the effect that the proposed goal was inappropriate for the 

so that it functions practically, rather than just being a venue 

current era and that we must be more committed marked a 

for exchanges of opinions.

turning point in discussions. In the end, the decision reached 

A company’s overall target profile for corporate gover-

was that MOL, ahead of industry peers, would aim to achieve 

nance represents, in a sense, the corporate profile to which 

net zero GHG emissions for the entire Group by 2050.

the entity should aspire. The Nomination Advisory Committee 

Realization of this goal will require hardware that does 

and the Remuneration Advisory Committee have consistently 

not yet exist, including technologies and supply infrastructure 

engaged in substantive discussions on their respective fields, 

for alternative fuels. Such feasibility issues inevitably made 

but the Corporate Governance Council encompasses all 

executive officers hesitant. Nonetheless, with the support of 

governance-related themes, including topics discussed by 

objective, big-picture viewpoints from outside the Company 

these committees and the Board as well as topics related to 

that looked ahead to the profile MOL should be pursuing, we 

auditing and internal control. I believe that the facilitation of 

were able to reach a momentous decision. Similarly, when we 

systematic discussions on MOL’s governance through the 

were formulating succession plans and revising the director 

establishment of the council was a major achievement of 

remuneration plan, recommendations from outside directors 

fiscal 2021. The council also had fruitful discussions on such 

led to more substantive, highly transparent decisions that 

governance-related topics as cross-shareholdings, how 

included detailed provisions.

outside directors should engage in dialogue with investors, 

and the training of directors.

Katsu

  As you mentioned, the role of an outside director is 

to present independent opinions incorporating the viewpoints 

of investors and shareholders, have them reflected in busi-

ness management, and appropriately present the results to 

the outside world. Further, ensuring engagement with society 

is extremely important. In particular, environmental, social, 

and governance (ESG) issues are areas that outside directors 

are becoming increasingly conscious of. In the process of 

formulating MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1, the MOL 

Sustainability Plan, and Rolling Plan 2022, various opinions 

were put forward. By having Executive Committee members 

take these opinions into consideration, I believe that we were 

able to present the vision and plans to society in a more favor-

Ikeda

 We have been focusing on governance reform over 

members and MOL itself were determined to advance 

able light.

the past few years. Also, recent structural reforms of the 

reforms. Particularly in the past few years, tangible results 

containership business and various other businesses have 

have been emerging, mainly with respect to the Board of 

reached favorable trajectories, and the Company as a whole is 

Directors’ greater effectiveness. Through the discussions of 

in very good shape. Moreover, I feel that governance reform 

the Nomination Advisory Committee and the Remuneration 

has supported these structural reforms. Going forward, as we 

Advisory Committee, we have achieved significant results, 

continue transforming ourselves into a social infrastructure 

such as the formulation of a CEO succession plan and the 

group centered on marine transport, I believe that we should 

revision of the director remuneration plan. In addition, various 

further evolve governance in a manner corresponding to this 

efforts have freed up time to discuss management issues 

transformation.

from a long-term perspective. So, I feel that the Board is 

As well as the sincere opinions received from outside 

increasingly becoming a body that is focused on performing a 

directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board members in 

supervisory role and examining and determining strategies. 

various forums, there are external expectations in this regard, 

Coupled with the changes in the Tokyo Stock Exchange 

Ikeda

  At Board meetings, outside directors made recom-

mendations that helped strengthen governance, but time 

constraints prevented extensive discussions. Therefore, in 

fiscal 2021 we established and began the operations of a new 

body called the Corporate Governance Council, which focuses 

Etsuko Katsu
Outside Director

exclusively on matters related to strengthening governance. 

As the council has only been in existence for a year, we are 

still finding our way to some extent. However, we have been 

using the council to elicit frank opinions from council mem-

bers; categorize issues; seek proposals from Executive 

Committee members, depending on the type of issues 

60

MOL REPORT 2022

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dialogue between the Chairman and an Outside Director

We will further evolve governance to support MOL’s major transition 
from a marine transport company to a social infrastructure group.

sustained enhancement of corporate value. I think just for-

Katsu

  I endorse this plan. The roles of MOL’s Board are 

mally including indicators does not mean anything. While 

becoming increasingly focused on supervision and the exami-

managing the MOL Sustainability Plan, announced in April 

nation and determination of strategy, and I think discussions 

2022, I would like to spend a little more time assessing which 

on the type of governance that MOL should pursue, including 

 Junichiro Ikeda

type of indicators are appropriate.

optimal institutional design, will be extremely meaningful. I 

also strongly feel the need to further increase the opportuni-

Reasons for and Aims of the Revisions of  
the Skills Matrix and  
the Director Remuneration Plan

Of course, simply preparing a skills matrix is not the aim. 

Forming a Board that contributes to the sustainable growth of 

MOL is the key goal. For this reason, skills matrixes and 

succession plans overlap to a large degree. Currently, the 

Company has a succession plan for the CEO, but there are no 

clear succession plans for members of the Board and outside 

directors. Therefore, the Nomination Advisory Committee 

Katsu

  The composition of the Board is one of the funda-

should discuss an officer appointment system that is linked  

mental elements of governance. The Company has recently 

to the skills matrix.

revised its skills matrix for directors. The Nomination 

Advisory Committee and the Corporate Governance Council 

Ikeda

  You mentioned the need for succession plans for 

were able to hold thorough discussions regarding the type of 

Board members. As well as utilizing the skills matrix in the 

expertise that is lacking in the current Board and, with an eye 

appointment of Board members beginning from fiscal 2023 

Katsu

  With respect to both the skills matrix and the direc-

ties for in-depth discussions on medium- to long-term 

tor remuneration plan, reaching decisions does not mean that 

strategies.

the matters are closed. I think the key is to constantly monitor 

The recent changes in MOL and its business environment 

systems as the times and the Company should flexibly analyze 

are one of the reasons why discussions on management 

the systems and explore various possibilities. 

strategies must be enhanced. Thanks to favorable business 

Creation of a Board of Directors  
That Functions Even More Favorably

Ikeda

  At the beginning of our conversation, I mentioned 

the importance of further evolving governance as the 

results in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021, the Group has accumu-

lated a tremendous amount of cash. I believe that outside 

observers will be paying very close attention to how this cash 

is invested going forward and how the results of investments 

are monitored. In addition, environmental strategies are 

entering a critical phase. Given the numerous items that 

require analysis from a broad perspective—such as the out-

look for global energy supply and demand, the wide range of 
alternative energy sources, and the reduction of CO2 emis-
sions—I think furthering discussions on environmental strate-

on the Company’s target profile, the type of expertise the 

onward, we will cohesively manage succession plans in con-

Company enters a new phase of growth. One of the issues 

gies, with reference to expert opinions, is necessary.

Board should possess. Moreover, I believe that these initia-

junction with a range of measures, including the training of 

related to this evolution is the position and role of the Board in 

tives were extremely effective in enhancing the transparency 

existing directors and the development of future management 

the Company. To give one specific example, due to its institu-

Ikeda

  Lastly, in enabling the Company to continue evolving 

of MOL from an external viewpoint.

personnel.

tional design, MOL has a Board that has for some time played 

its governance, I believe that my role as chairman of the 

a major role in execution. Consequently, the Board spends 

Board is to manage it in ways that encourage lively discus-

Ikeda

  In revising the skills matrix for directors recently, 

Katsu

  As succession plans are managed in such a way, I 

considerable time deliberating decisions on individual proj-

sions on long-term strategies. Further, I see my role as 

we advanced our approach by clearly separating and discuss-

hope that the diversification of directors will also progress in 

ects. On the other hand, I believe that we should strengthen 

ensuring that the opinions expressed in these discussions are 

ing experience and knowledge universally required in corpo-

terms of nationality, gender, age, and experience. In particu-

the Board’s primary roles, such as discussing the formulation 

properly conveyed to Executive Committee members, that 

rate management and experience and knowledge required in 

lar, the fundamental ideas about corporate management of 

of medium- to long-term strategies, the monitoring of invest-

appropriate action is taken based on these opinions, and that 

the management of a company that provides marine trans-

non-Japanese executives are varied, and I think being 

ment progress, and Companywide risk management.

feedback is provided to the Board on the results of these 

port, which is a highly specialized industry. The previous skills 

exposed to opinions based on overseas perspectives will lead 

To secure time for such discussions and enhance the 

actions. To these ends, open communication between the 

matrix for directors did not differentiate clearly between these 

to new ideas.

Board’s effectiveness, we have been conducting Deliberation 

Board and Executive Committee members is indispensable. 

two types of experience and knowledge. As a result, we were 

  Moving on to the revision of the director remuneration 

on Corporate Strategy and Vision (→ page 69) and transfer-

Accordingly, I will actively play a bridging role between the two 

able to renew our common understanding of the types of 

plan in fiscal 2021, the incorporation into the evaluation 

ring authority to the Executive Committee and below. 

groups. I will also endeavor to improve the governance of the 

experience and knowledge that are truly needed by the senior 

system of highly transparent financial indicators for single 

However, I feel that these measures are reaching the limit of 

Company with reference to the recommendations you have 

management team of MOL as a social infrastructure group 

fiscal year performance-based remuneration and long-term 

their usefulness. Although this is not an issue on which we 

provided today.

centered on marine transport.

target contribution-based remuneration was a major achieve-

  We also deepened discussions on the types of knowledge 

ment. On the other hand, we spent considerable time discuss-

can reach a conclusion immediately, we plan to proceed with 

discussions at the Corporate Governance Council including a 

that the Board should acquire going forward. Experience and 

ing how to incorporate ESG indicators into the director 

review of institutional design.

knowledge are notably lacking in relation to technologies, 

remuneration plan in fiscal 2021, but this issue has been left 

including IT and DX skills.

unresolved. I hope that the Remuneration Advisory Committee 

will continue to discuss the issue in fiscal 2022.

Katsu

  Looking at the examples provided by other compa-

nies, some have chief digital officers on their boards of direc-

Ikeda

  When we were discussing revision of the director 

tors. Technologies and data analysis will be indispensable for 

remuneration plan, initially some suggested that we should 

the evolution of the Company’s customer services. Also, 

incorporate ESG indicators. In fact, we included safety indica-

having a Board that comprises members with different attri-

tors in the director remuneration plan ahead of time. 

butes and fields of activity is very good in the sense that dis-

Meanwhile, an essential concept underpinning the director 

cussions cover a range of opinions.

remuneration plan is that the adopted indicators must be 

closely linked to MOL’s business performance and the 

I feel that the Board of Directors is increasingly becoming a body that 
is focused on performing a supervisory role and examining and 
determining strategies. 

 Etsuko Katsu

62

63

MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members

(As of June 22, 2022)

Internal Directors

Nomination Advisory Committee member

Remuneration Advisory Committee member

*  Only important concurrent positions and certification registration years have been included in the resumes of outside directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board members.

Internal Audit & Supervisory Board Members

Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members 

Representative Director
Junichiro Ikeda
Born 1956 
Number of the Company’s shares held: 96,300 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Director: 9 years

Apr. 1979  Joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Jun.  2004 General Manager of Human Resources Division
Jun. 2007 General Manager of Liner Division
Jun. 2008 Executive Officer
Jun. 2010 Managing Executive Officer
Jun. 2013 Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer
Jun. 2015  Representative Director, President, Chief 

Executive Officer

Apr. 2021   Representative Director, Chairman Executive 

Officer (to present)

Representative Director
Takeshi Hashimoto
Born 1957 
Number of the Company’s shares held: 44,700 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Director: 7 years

Apr. 1982  Joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Jun. 2008 General Manager of LNG Carrier Division
Jun. 2009  Executive Officer, General Manager of LNG 

Carrier Division
Jun. 2011 Executive Officer
Jun. 2012 Managing Executive Officer
Jun. 2015 Director, Managing Executive Officer
Apr. 2016  Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer
Apr. 2019   Representative Director, Executive Vice President 

Executive Officer

Representative Director
Toshiaki Tanaka
Born 1960 
Number of the Company’s shares held: 27,900 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Director: 2 years

Apr. 1984 Joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Jun. 2011  General Manager of Iron Ore & Coal Carrier 

Division

Jun. 2014  Executive Officer, General Manager of Iron Ore & 

Coal Carrier Division

Jun. 2015 Executive Officer
Apr. 2017 Managing Executive Officer
Jun. 2020 Director, Managing Executive Officer
Apr. 2021 Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer
Apr. 2022  Representative Director, Executive Vice President 

Apr. 2021   Representative Director, President, Chief 

Executive Officer (to present)

Executive Officer (to present)

Director
Kenta Matsuzaka
Born 1961 
Number of the Company’s shares held: 32,100 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
15 of 15 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Director: 1 year

Apr. 1984  Joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Jun. 2014 General Manager of LNG Carrier Division
Jun. 2015  Executive Officer, General Manager of LNG 

Carrier Division
Apr. 2017  Executive Officer
Apr. 2018  Managing Executive Officer
Apr. 2021  Senior Managing Executive Officer
Jun. 2021  Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer  

(to present)

Outside Directors

Director
Yutaka Hinooka
Born 1961 
Number of the Company’s shares held: 19,500 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
15 of 15 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Director: 1 year

Apr. 1985  Joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Jun. 2012 General Manager of Liner Division
Apr. 2016  Executive Officer, General Manager of Liner Division
Apr. 2018  Executive Officer
Apr. 2019  Managing Executive Officer
Jun. 2021 Director, Managing Executive Officer
Apr. 2022   Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer  

(to present)

Outside Director (Independent Officer)
Hideto Fujii
Number of the Company’s shares held: 6,600 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Outside Director: 6 years

Jun. 2015 Adviser, Sumitomo Corporation
Jun. 2016 Outside Director, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.

Outside Director (Independent Officer)
Etsuko Katsu
Number of the Company’s shares held: 12,600 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Outside Director: 6 years

Outside Director (Independent Officer)
Masaru Onishi
Number of the Company’s shares held: 9,000 shares 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Outside Director: 3 years

Apr. 2003   Professor, School of Political Science and 

Apr. 2013   Trustee, KEIZAI DOYUKAI (Japan Association of 

Economics, Meiji University 

Corporate Executives)

Jun. 2016 Outside Director, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Nov. 2016  Administrative Board Member, International 

Association of Universities (IAU)
Apr. 2018   Chairman of Fund Management Advisory 

Committee, The Japan Foundation

Mar. 2019  Outside Director (Audit and Supervisory 
Committee Member), Dentsu Group Inc.

Jun. 2015 Trustee, International University of Japan
Jul. 2018  Visiting Professor, Toyo University
Jun. 2019 Outside Director, TEIJIN LIMITED
Jun. 2019  Outside Director, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Feb. 2021  Senior Advisor, Alton Aviation Consultancy Japan 

Co.,Ltd.

Jun. 2021 Outside Director, Kadoya Sesame Mills inc.

Please visit our website for details on the positions and duties of executive officers and Group executive officers.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/corporate/executive/index.html

Audit & Supervisory Board Member
Toshiaki Takeda
Born 1964 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Attendance at the Audit & Supervisory Board 
Members’ meetings: 
11 of 11 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Audit & Supervisory Board 
Member: 3 years

Audit & Supervisory Board Member
Masanori Kato
Born 1961 
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
15 of 15 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Attendance at the Audit & Supervisory Board 
Members’ meetings: 
9 of 9 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Audit & Supervisory Board 
Member: 1 year

Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member 
(Independent Officer)
Junko Imura
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: 
18 of 18 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Attendance at the Audit & Supervisory Board 
Members’ meetings: 
11 of 11 (Attendance rate: 100%) 
Number of years as Outside Audit & 
Supervisory Board Member: 3 years

Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member 
(Independent Officer)
Satoru Mitsumori
Attendance at the Board of Directors’ meetings: – 
Attendance at the Audit & Supervisory Board 
Members’ meetings: – 
Number of years as Outside Audit & 
Supervisory Board Member: – 

Apr. 1986  Joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Jun. 2015  General Manager of General 

Nov. 1985 Joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Jun. 2013  General Manager of Marine 

Affairs Division

Apr. 2018   General Manager of Secretaries 

& General Affairs Division

Jun. 2019  Audit & Supervisory Board 

Member, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. 
(to present)

Safety Division

Apr. 2016  Executive Officer
Apr. 2017  Managing Executive Officer
Apr. 2021  Adviser
Jun. 2021  Audit & Supervisory Board 

Member, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. 
(to present)

Aug. 1994  Registered as a certified public 

Apr. 1993   Registered as an attorney at law 

accountant

Sep. 2015  Visiting Professor, Tama 

Graduate School of Business 
Jul.  2018   Established Imura Accounting 

Office

Jun. 2019  Outside Audit & Supervisory 
Board Member, Mitsui O.S.K. 
Lines, Ltd.

Dec. 2019  Outside Audit & Supervisory 

Board Member, T. HASEGAWA 
CO., LTD.

at Daini Tokyo Bar Association 
Joined Asahi Law Offices 
(currently serves as Managing 
Partner) 

Apr. 2008   Family Affairs Conciliator, Tokyo 

Family Court
Oct. 2011   Extraordinary Member, 

Government Panel Addressing 
Disputes Over Compensation for 
Nuclear Accidents
Apr. 2018   Audit & Supervisory Board 

Jun. 2020  Outside Director, Audit and 

Member, Kur & Hotel Co., Ltd.

Supervisory Committee Member, 
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking 
Corporation

Jun. 2022  Outside Audit & Supervisory 
Board Member, Mitsui O.S.K. 
Lines, Ltd.

Specific Experience, Expertise, and Skills Expected of Members of the Board of Directors 
(For details on revisions implemented at the end of fiscal 2021, please refer to page 59.)

Experience, etc., considered important for corporations

Experience, etc., considered important for corporations 
supporting social infrastructure

Corporate 
management

Finance / 
Accounting

Legal affairs / 
Risk 
management 

ESG

Human 
resources / 
Diversity

Safety

Technology

Marketing / 
Business 
strategy

Global 
business

Junichiro Ikeda
Representative Director

Takeshi Hashimoto
Representative Director

Toshiaki Tanaka
Representative Director

Kenta Matsuzaka
Director

Yutaka Hinooka
Director

Hideto Fujii
Outside Director

Etsuko Katsu
Outside Director

Masaru Onishi
Outside Director

Toshiaki Takeda
Audit & Supervisory Board 
Member

Masanori Kato
Audit & Supervisory Board 
Member

Junko Imura
Audit & Supervisory Board 
Member

Satoru Mitsumori
Audit & Supervisory Board 
Member

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for facilitating unrestricted discussion and incorporating 

Audit & Supervisory Board

Corporate Governance

 Corporate Governance as the Foundation of Business Management  
At the same time as being one of the MOL Group’s five 

the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and other 

Sustainability Issues, corporate governance provides a foun-

bodies and councils to fulfill required functions and roles, 

dation for the other four Sustainability Issues and for the 

such as establishing Companywide strategies, identifying 

implementation of Rolling Plan 2022. In recent years, the 

fields for new forays, determining resource allocation, 

Company’s business structure has become more complex. In 

screening individual investments and businesses, and manag-

addition to its simple, long-standing business model of trans-

ing and monitoring risk as well as ensuring that the initiatives 

porting goods from one point to another, the Company has 

implemented in relation to such matters help address the 

entered into such upstream and downstream areas as FPSOs 

Sustainability Issues.

and FSRUs. The Company is building a system that enables 

 Corporate Governance Structure  
In addition to the audit functions performed by the Audit & 

Supervisory Board, which is independent from the Board of 

outside knowledge with respect to overall issues related to 

Directors, the Board of Directors comprises internal directors, 

the enhancement and strengthening of the corporate gover-

who are also responsible for the execution of business opera-

nance structure. The council is helping to improve the effec-

tions, and outside directors, who specialize in supervisory 

tiveness of the Board of Directors by providing it with reports 

functions. MOL realizes operations that are legally compliant, 

and recommendations. Further, the Company complies with 

appropriate, and efficient by ensuring that the supervisory 

all principles of Japan’s Corporate Governance Code.

capabilities of the Board of Directors are effective.

In fiscal 2021, the Corporate Governance Council was 

established under the Board of Directors to serve as a forum 

For details, please refer to the corporate governance report
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/governance/corporate/report/
pdf/governance.pdf?v=0622

Corporate Governance Organization (As of June 22, 2022)

Chairman

Male

Female

General Meeting of Shareholders

Elect and appoint / Dismiss

Board of Directors (Total: 8)

Business audit / 
Accounting 
audit

Elect and appoint / 
Dismiss
Audit & Supervisory Board 
(Total: 4)
Internal members: 2 
Outside members: 2

Collaborate

Elect and appoint / 
Dismiss

Accounting Auditors

Report

Internal directors: 5

Outside directors: 3

Accounting 
audit

Audit & Supervisory Board 
Manager

Elect and 
appoint / 
Supervise

Elect and 
appoint / 
Supervise

Submit basic management 
policies and other issues 
for discussion

Executive Committee (Total: 13)

CEO

Executive directors: 5 
 (including the CEO)

Executive officers: 8

Report

Report

Nomination Advisory 
Committee (Total: 5)
Chair of committee: 
Hideto Fujii

Remuneration Advisory 
Committee (Total: 5)
Chair of committee: 
Etsuko Katsu

Outside directors: 3

Internal directors: 2

Report / Advise

Corporate Governance 
Council
(Total: 10)
Chair of council: 
Masaru Onishi

Outside directors: 3

Internal directors: 2

Outside directors: 3

Audit plan / Audit report

Internal directors: 3

Provide direction 
on important 
business issues

Submit to the Executive 
Committee after preliminary 
deliberations

Submit for discussion and/or report 
on important business and other 
issues

Executive Officers (Total: 28)

Committees under the Executive Committee
Rolling Plan Special Committee, Investment and Finance Committee, 
Environment & Sustainability Committee, Improvement of Work Efficiency 
Committee, Operational Safety Committee, Compliance Committee

Outside Audit & Supervisory 
Board members: 2

Internal Audit & Supervisory 
Board members: 2

Submit for discussion and / 
or report on important 
business and other issues

Business audit / 
Accounting audit

Instruct

Report

Collaborate

Corporate Audit Division

Executive directors: 5

Executive officers: 18

Group executive 
officers: 5

Divisions / Branches / Vessels / Group companies

 Major Organizations  
Board of Directors

As the central decision-making body of the Company, the Board 

directors, outside directors, and outside Audit & Supervisory 

of Directors deliberates and adopts resolutions on basic poli-

Board members participate in a free exchange of opinions. (For 

cies and the most important matters in relation to the business 

details on the main agenda items discussed, please see page 

management of the MOL Group. The Board of Directors is 

69.) These exchanges of opinions are utilized in the formulation 

focused on supervision and the analysis of strategy, with delib-

of each fiscal year’s management plan. Moreover, since fiscal 

eration and decisions on individual issues delegated to the 

2018 Board member discussion sessions have been held as 

Executive Committee as much as possible. Specifically, one 

required after meetings of the Board of Directors to provide an 

hour of each three-hour meeting of the Board of Directors is 

opportunity for early information sharing and discussion on 

devoted to Deliberation on Corporate Strategy and Vision, in 

important matters that have yet to reach the stage of being 

which one topic related to management strategy, the long-term 

formally submitted as agenda items.

vision, or general management is discussed, and internal 

The Audit & Supervisory Board draws up audit plans and 

deliberation and decision-making processes. By combining 

reports and shares the results of audits. All Audit & 

the information held by the full-time members with the high 

Supervisory Board members attend meetings of the Board  

level of specialized expertise of the outside members, MOL 

of Directors, and full-time members also attend Executive 

has created a system that ensures the active exercise of 

Committee and other committee meetings to audit the 

authority from an objective standpoint.

Nomination Advisory Committee and Remuneration Advisory Committee

The Nomination Advisory and Remuneration Advisory com-

three outside directors, the chairman, and the CEO. The 

mittees have been voluntarily established as organizations 

Nomination Advisory Committee deliberates the election, 

under the Board of Directors. Nominating candidates for the 

appointment, and dismissal of directors and executive 

position of director and formulating proposals on remunera-

 officers. From an objective standpoint, the Remuneration 

tion are fundamental corporate governance functions, and the 

Advisory Committee examines director remuneration, 

establishment of these organizations is intended to facilitate 

 including incentives for the long-term enhancement of 

in-depth deliberations by expert committees. Both commit-

 corporate value.

tees are chaired by outside directors and are composed of 

Main Agenda Items Deliberated by the Advisory Committees in Fiscal 2021
Nomination Advisory Committee (convened six times)
Chair of committee: Masaru Onishi (outside director)
Main Agenda Items

Remuneration Advisory Committee (convened nine times)
Chair of committee: Hideto Fujii (outside director)
Main Agenda Items

•  Target profile, composition, and skills matrix of the Board of Directors
•  Selection of the next CEO based on the succession plan for the CEO and the 

method of selecting a successor in the event of an emergency

•  Appointment of fiscal 2022 directors, Audit & Supervisory Board members, and 

executive officers

•  Election, appointment, and dismissal of Audit & Supervisory Board members 

and other matters

•   Fiscal 2020 director bonuses and fiscal 2021 director remuneration
•   Revision of the remuneration plan for non-executive directors
•   Analysis of the peer group to ensure the appropriateness of remuneration levels
•   Policy for decisions on such matters as the remuneration of individual directors 

and other matters

Corporate Governance Council

With the aim of enhancing and strengthening the corporate 

governance structure, the Corporate Governance Council was 

established under the Board of Directors in fiscal 2021 to serve 

as a forum for facilitating specialized ongoing discussions on 

corporate governance that incorporate outside knowledge. 

Appointed by the Board of Directors, the council’s members 

comprise three internal directors, all three outside directors, 

and all  four Audit & Supervisory Board members. The council 

has a high degree of expertise and objectivity. In addition to being 

chaired by an outside director, the council is able to appoint 

outside experts and have them participate in deliberations.

Main Agenda Items Deliberated by the Corporate Governance Council

(convened four times in fiscal 2021)

Chair of council: Etsuko Katsu (outside director)

•  Role of the Corporate Governance Council and selection of topics for 

deliberation

•  Identification of corporate governance issues in the MOL Group in 

light of revisions to Japan’s Corporate Governance Code

•  Revision of internal rules to secure time for deliberations by the 

Board of Directors

•  Various issues (cross-shareholdings and improvement of the skills of 
directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members) and other matters

Executive Committee and Committees under the Executive Committee

Within the scope of the basic policy approved by the Board of Directors, MOL transfers a significant amount of authority to conduct 

businesses to the Executive Committee. This helps to expedite decision-making on individual matters. Six committees exist under 

the Executive Committee to study and deliberate particularly important matters which are brought to the Executive Committee, as 

well as cross-divisional propositions.

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Corporate Governance

  Appointment and Dismissal Procedures of Directors and Audit &  
Supervisory Board Members  
The Nomination Advisory Committee has been established to 

  With due consideration for the reports submitted by the 

heighten the objectivity, transparency, and accountability of 

Nomination Advisory Committee, the Board of Directors 

the selection procedures of directors and Audit & Supervisory 

determines candidate directors and candidate Audit & 

Board members. The committee submits reports to the Board 

Supervisory Board members.

of Directors after selecting candidates in light of standards 

established by the committee on gender equality and other 

issues as well as the experience, expertise, and skills deemed 

desirable for members of the Board of Directors, which were 

identified in the form of a renewed skills matrix at the end of 

fiscal 2021. (Reports on candidates for the position of Audit & 

Supervisory Board member are submitted upon receiving the 

consent of the Audit & Supervisory Board.)

To strengthen audit functions, outside Audit & Supervisory 

Board members also attend meetings of the Nomination 

Advisory Committee and can state opinions.

 CEO Succession Plan  
To ensure the appointment of a suitable CEO in a timely and 

 Standards for Appointing Directors

a)  Personnel who are able to contribute to enhancement of the corpo-
rate value of the Company based on a wealth of experience and 
knowledge

b)  Personnel who are able to make management decisions globally 

from a broad-ranged perspective and foresight

c) Personnel with high ethical standards and solid common sense

 Standards for Appointing Audit & Supervisory Board Members 
a)  Personnel who have an appropriate set of experience, qualification, 

ability, and expertise

b)  Personnel who possess a high degree of financial and accounting 

knowledge (more than one member)

the re-appointment and dismissal of the incumbent CEO, and 

appropriate manner, in fiscal 2019 the Company formulated  

submits reports to the Board of Directors.

a CEO succession plan that establishes the requirements and 

Based on the aforementioned plan, in fiscal 2021 the 

selection process in relation to the position of CEO as well  

Nomination Advisory Committee deliberated the selection of 

as a development plan for successor candidates.

candidates for the next CEO and selection reasons, a develop-

Based on the succession plan, the Nomination Advisory 

ment strategy, and a method of selecting a successor in the 

Committee deliberates proposals for the next CEO, including 

event of an emergency.

 Independence Criteria for Outside Officers  
The Company has established the following criteria for the independence of outside directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board 

members. With reference to said criteria, all incumbent outside directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board members are 

deemed to have independence.

 Independence Criteria

The Company deems a person to have independence if none of the following items of the independence criteria is applicable to them.

1   A person who is an executing person of the Company or its subsidiar-

ies or a person who has served as an executing person of the Company 
or its subsidiaries during the past 10 years

8   A person who is an accounting auditor of the MOL Group; an employee 
of such an accounting auditor; or a person who has fallen under either 
category during the past three years

2   A current major shareholder of the Company; an executing person of 
such a shareholder; or a person who has fallen under either category 
during the past three years

3   An executing person of a company in which the MOL Group directly or 
indirectly holds 10.0% or more of the total voting rights or a person 
who has fallen under this category during the past three years

4   An executing person of a company that has accepted a director from 
the MOL Group; an executing person of the parent company or a 
subsidiary of such a company; or a person who was an executing 
person of any such company during the past three years

5   An executing person of a financial institution or other major creditor 
that is essential to the MOL Group’s financing to the extent of being 
irreplaceable or an executing person of the parent company or a major 
subsidiary of such a financial institution or other major creditor

6   A party for whom the MOL Group is a major business partner; if the 

party is a company, an executing person of the company or of its parent 
company or major subsidiary; or a person who was an executing 
person of any such company during the past three years

7   A major business partner of the MOL Group; if the business partner is a 
company, an executing person of the company or of its parent company 
or major subsidiary; or a person who was an executing person of any 
such company during the past three years

9   A consultant, an accounting professional, or a legal professional to 
whom the MOL Group provides remuneration that is in the form of 
significant sums of money or other assets and does not include the 
remuneration of directors or a person who has fallen under any of 
these categories during the past three years

10  A person to whom the MOL Group provides donations or grants 

exceeding a certain amount or a person who has fallen under this 
category during the past three years

11  A close relative of a person to whom any of the aforementioned items 

1  through 10 is applicable

12   Any other person who may have a conflict of interest with general share-
holders and whose circumstances can reasonably be deemed to prevent 
the person from fulfilling duties as an independent outside officer

For details on Independence Criteria for Outside Officers,  
please refer to the following.
Criteria for Outside Officers, page 19, Notice of Convocation of the 
Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders for fiscal 2021
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/ir/stock/gms/pdf/notice22.pdf

Initiatives for the Realization of the Functions of Outside Directors and Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members

Support provided to outside directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board 
members in fiscal 2021
•  Implementation of training for officers
•  Provision of prior explanations in person or in writing of matters to be dis-

cussed by or reported to the Board of Directors as well as the acceptance of 
questions from directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members and the 
provision in advance of responses from the executive officers in charge

Major activities of outside directors and outside Audit & Supervisory Board 
members in fiscal 2021
• Lectures and discussions at management schools
•  Participation in naming and delivery ceremonies for new vessels
•  Participation in the safe operation campaign

  Initiatives to Enhance the Effectiveness of the Board of Directors  

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Board of Directors

With the aim of further increasing the effectiveness of the Board of Directors and its subordinate committees—namely, the 

Nomination Advisory and Remuneration Advisory committees and the Corporate Governance Council—the Company conducts an 

annual survey, which seeks self-evaluations from each director and Audit & Supervisory Board member regarding the content of 

agenda items and deliberations, the contribution of each member of the Board of Directors, and the management and administra-

tion of its activities. The results of this analysis and evaluation as well as the identification of issues and the analysis and implemen-

tation of improvement measures are incorporated into a one-year schedule.

Respondents
13 officers, comprising all 
directors (six internal 
directors and three 
outside directors) and all 
Audit & Supervisory Board 
members (two full-time 
Audit & Supervisory Board 
members and two outside 
Audit & Supervisory Board 
members)

Summary of 
Survey 
Implementation

Implementation and Evaluation Method
February 2022 

April 2022 

April 2022 

 Provision of effectiveness evaluation 
survey to all directors and Audit & 
Supervisory Board members
 Discussion at the Corporate Governance 
Council based on the results
 At a meeting of the Board of Directors, 
separate reports and discussions on 
items for which effectiveness was 
established, on items identified as 
issues, and on items to be addressed in 
fiscal 2022

Main Items in Self-Assessment Survey
•    Overall assessment of the Board of Directors (composi-
tion, administration, management plans, risk manage-
ment system, internal control, compliance, 
sustainability-related items, nomination, and 
remuneration)

•    Content of fiscal 2021 initiatives
  ― Effectiveness of Deliberation on Corporate Strategy 

and Vision

  ― Effectiveness of the Nomination Advisory and 

Remuneration Advisory committees

  ― Effectiveness of the Corporate Governance Council
  ― Mutual supervision and monitoring among directors 

and Audit & Supervisory Board members

Results of 
Fiscal 2021 
Evaluation

Items for Which Effectiveness Was Established
1   The Board of Directors deliberated individual issues based on the MOL 
Group Corporate Mission, the MOL Group Vision, and the MOL CHARTS 
values as well as the general goals of the management plan. Also, in 
Deliberation on Corporate Strategy and Vision, sufficient time for the 
discussion of management strategies and individual business strate-
gies was secured, and the Board of Directors played an effective role in 
the execution of respective strategies.

2   The deliberations of the Nomination Advisory and Remuneration 

Advisory committees were reported in a transparent and objective 
manner to the Board of Directors. In addition, both advisory committees 
and the Corporate Governance Council convened with an appropriate 
frequency and certain progress was achieved.

3   Supervision was appropriate, including mutual monitoring and checks 

among directors and Audit & Supervisory Board members.

Issues Recognized by the Board of Directors
1   Ongoing initiatives that are based on discussion of the new skills matrix 
which ensure the skills and diversity needed for the Board of Directors
2   Selection of issues that really need discussion by the Board of Directors 
and measures to secure the time for the deliberation of such issues 
(need for continuous discussion on the management and administra-
tion of the activities of the Board of Directors as well as the delegation 
of authority and organizational design)

3   Clarification of approach to the cost of capital and continuous discus-
sion on the allocation of resources, including human capital, intellec-
tual property, and safety management

4   Continuous discussion on the Groupwide governance structure, risk 

mapping, and internal control

Fiscal 2022 
Initiatives

1   Use the Corporate Governance Council as a forum to fully discuss the selection of issues that should really be discussed at meetings of the Board of 

Directors (Deliberation on Corporate Strategy and Vision)

2   Make structural improvements that help enhance deliberations (delegation of authority, organizational design, and enhancement of the participation 

and contribution of each director and Audit & Supervisory Board member)

3   Establish a road map for the realization of a Board of Directors whose composition is based on the new skills matrix
4   Establish a basic policy on corporate governance for the MOL Group

  Deliberation on Corporate Strategy and Vision  
Beginning in fiscal 2021, the agenda items shown in the table below were selected and deliberated. The deliberation at meetings of 

the Board of Directors of overall issues related to the management plan and the MOL Group Vision facilitates effective deliberation 

of individual business issues. In light of deliberations at meetings of the Board of Directors, Nomination Advisory and Remuneration 

Advisory committees, and Corporate Governance Council, the Company establishes appropriate topics and ensures that Deliberation 

on Corporate Strategy and Vision contributes to the enhancement of corporate value.

Main Agenda Items of Deliberation on Corporate Strategy and Vision Conducted by the Board of Directors in Fiscal 2021

Month and Year

Agenda Item

Month and Year

Agenda Item

April 2021

Outlook for the containership business

October 2021

Strategy of the dry bulk business

May 2021

July 2021

Outlook for the real property business

December 2021

Goals of the next management plan

Plans for the domestic terminal business

January 2022

General assessment of overall risks (risk mapping)

September 2021

Portfolio and investment strategy

April 2022

Diversity of human resources

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Corporate Governance

 Remuneration Plan for Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members  
Remuneration of Executive Directors

Given the business characteristics of marine transport, contribution to the enhancement of both short-term performance and 

medium- to long-term performance is expected. Accordingly, the remuneration of executive directors comprises monthly remunera-

tion, single fiscal year performance-based remuneration, and long-term target contribution-based remuneration. (The Company 

changed to the current remuneration plan in fiscal 2021.)

Model Remuneration Assuming Achievement of Performance Targets

Fixed remuneration
60%

Variable remuneration
40%

Monthly remuneration (cash)
60%

Single fiscal year 
performance-based 
remuneration (cash)
20%

Long-term target 
contribution-based 
remuneration (stock)
20%

Note:  The above diagram is an approximation that has been calculated premised on certain Company performance and share price levels. The above percentages change in 

accordance with the Company’s business performance and share price.

Monthly Remuneration 
(Cash)

Single Fiscal Year 
Performance-Based 
Remuneration (Cash)

Monthly remuneration is paid as a fixed remuneration based on responsibilities to encourage robust business execution.

Single fiscal year performance-based remuneration links remuneration to consolidated ordinary profit, which is a performance indicator set out 
in the Rolling Plan, thereby incentivizing achievement of the plan’s goals. This type of remuneration also links remuneration to the safe opera-
tions KPI and the 4 ZEROES benchmark, thereby reflecting safety in evaluations and fostering a greater awareness of safety. In addition, to 
provide an incentive for directors to improve the performance of the business divisions for which they are responsible, in addition to 
Companywide performance the degree of achievement of the profit targets of respective business divisions is reflected in the amount paid.

Long-Term Target 
Contribution-Based 
Remuneration (Stock)

MOL has introduced a performance-linked stock remuneration system with the objective of aligning the interests of directors more closely with 
those of shareholders by increasing the number of Company shares that directors own and with the objective of linking remuneration to the 
Company’s medium- to long-term share price and performance. Under this system, stock is granted based on the degree of achievement of 
predetermined share price indicators as well as earnings benchmarks and targets over a certain time frame. A portion of this remuneration is 
paid in cash as a source of funds for income tax payments by the director.

Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors

Upon receiving the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders convened in June 2022, in fiscal 2022 the Company began pro-

viding remuneration in the form of Company stock to non-executive directors, including outside directors.

 Aim of the Revision

 Main Features of the Revision

To incentivize sustained enhancement of the Company’s 
corporate value and further align the interests of directors 
with those of shareholders

Number of shares granted not linked to business performance
Restriction on transfer of shares until retirement

Before revision

After revision

Fixed cash remuneration (100.0%)

Fixed cash remuneration (90.0%)

Note:  The above diagram is an approximation of the remuneration breakdown 

premised on a certain Company share price level.

Restricted stock remuneration 
(10.0%) 

Fiscal 2022 Stock Remuneration

 Shares of common stock  1,485

 ¥3,030.00 per share

 Total stock remuneration  ¥4,499,550

Remuneration of Audit & Supervisory Board Members

The breadth of knowledge required of Audit & Supervisory Board members and the gravity of their responsibilities are increasing 

due to the expansion of the Company’s business domain from traditional marine transport to encompass non-marine transport 

businesses—including offshore, logistics, and real property businesses—and due to changes in quality and quantity of the 

Company’s risk exposure, which reflects a rise in the levels of social responsibility that corporations are expected to meet. Against 

this backdrop, the Company has increased the remuneration limit of Audit & Supervisory Board members from ¥9.0 million per 

month to ¥12.0 million per month, the first time this limit has been changed in 17 years.

In fiscal 2021, the degrees of achievement of KPIs, which were used as the basis of the calculation of single fiscal year performance-

based remuneration and long-term target contribution-based remuneration, were as shown in the table below.

Remuneration for Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members in Fiscal 2021

Calculation 
Results and 
Total Payment

¥656.0 million

KPI

Weight

Targets and KPIs of Rolling Plan 2021 and the 
MOL Sustainability Plan

Fiscal 2021 Results

(A)  
Consolidated ordinary 
profit (loss)

(B) 
Ordinary profit (loss) 
by division

(C) 
Degree of achieve-
ment of safe opera-
tions indicators

Total shareholder 
return* (growth rate 
versus TOPIX and 
growth rate of total 
shareholder return 
versus competitors)

Calculation through 
comprehensive 
consideration of 
factors (A), (B), 
and (C)

• ¥100.0 billion

• ¥721.7 billion

• Dry bulk business: ¥13.0 billion

• ¥43.2 billion

• Energy and offshore businesses: ¥26.0 billion

• ¥19.8 billion

• Product transport business: ¥55.0 billion

• ¥662.9 billion

• Associated businesses: ¥10.0 billion

• ¥7.4 billion

• 4 ZEROES violations: 0

• 5 (violations accompanying 3 accidents)

•  Downtime frequency rate:  

 1.00 incident per ship per year

• 0.29

• Average downtime:   24.00 hours per ship per year • 25.34

• Lost time injury frequency:   0.50 injuries

• 0.19

30%

—

• Growth rate versus TOPIX: 208.7%

ROE

40%

•  Fiscal 2021 (initial projection): 15.0%
•  Fiscal 2027 (target): 10.0–12.0%

• 76.5%

¥157.0 million

Targets for 
individual directors

30%

—

•  Execution of Rolling Plan 2021
•  Improvement of financial strength
•  Conversion of DAIBIRU and Utoc into 

wholly owned subsidiaries

Etc.
(set according to each director’s field of 
responsibility)

Single Fiscal 
Year 
Performance-
Based 
Remuneration

Long-Term 
Target 
Contribution-
Based 
Remuneration

* The total of capital gains and dividends

70

Category

Number of people

Total remuneration, by type (millions of yen)

Total remuneration 
(millions of yen)

Basic remuneration

Monthly remuneration 
(cash)

Performance-based 
remuneration

Single fiscal year 
performance-based 
remuneration (cash)

Non-monetary 
remuneration

Performance-linked stock 
remuneration 
(stock-based)

Directors (of whom outside 
directors)

Audit & Supervisory Board 
members (of whom outside 
Audit & Supervisory Board 
members)

Total (of whom outside direc-
tors or outside Audit & 
Supervisory Board members)

9 (3)

1,175 (41)

362 (41)

656 (0)

157 (0)

5 (2)

95 (24)

95 (24)

― (―)

― (―)

14 (5)

1,270 (65)

457 (65)

656 (0)

157 (0)

Notes:
1.  The above remuneration includes remuneration related to one Audit & Supervisory Board member who was not an outside Audit & Supervisory Board member and who 

resigned at the conclusion of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened on June 22, 2021.

2. Amounts of less than ¥1.0 million have been rounded down to the nearest ¥1.0 million.

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Risk Management

For more details on our risk management, please visit our website.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/ir/management/risk/index.html

 Overview of Risk Management  
As a company engaged in a wide range of operations around 

through hedging and the transfer of risk through insurance.  

the world, MOL is exposed to a variety of risks. In addition to 

In normal times, relevant business divisions submit proposals 

overseeing a risk management system, the Board of Directors 

and reports on individual measures to the Executive 

identifies new risks that need to be better managed and for-

Committee and its subordinate committees, which enables  

mulates risk-related policies through the Corporate 

an understanding of and decision-making in relation to risks 

Governance Council and through Deliberation on Corporate 

throughout the Company. In the event of an emergency,  

Strategy and Vision.

the CEO serves as director general, establishes a response 

As shown in the table below, divisions are assigned to 

headquarters that comprises the core members of the 

each individual risk, and pursuant with specific internal rules 

Executive Committee as well as related executive officers and 

and regulations each risk is quantified and risk mitigation 

general managers, and ensures an appropriate and prompt 

measures are taken, including the reduction of exposure 

response to the situation.

Major Risks in Business Operations

Risk

Responsible Division

Key Management Rules and Guidelines

Operational risks

Marine Safety Division
Marine Technical Management 
Division
Liquefied Gas Ship Management 
Strategies Division
Legal Division

Rules for Headquarters of Crisis Control, Rules for Headquarters of Emergency 
Control for Serious Marine Incidents, and manuals established by respective ship 
management companies

Shipping market fluctuation risks, 
customer credit risks, and country risks

Corporate Planning Division

Asset Risk Control, Market risk management rules

Exchange rate, interest rate, and 
bunker price fluctuation risks

Climate change risks

Finance Division (exchange 
rates, interest rates)
Bunker Business Division 
(bunker prices)

Environment & Sustainability 
Strategy Division

Market risk management rules

MOL Group Environmental Policy Statement, MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1

Cybersecurity risks

MOL Information Systems, Ltd.

ICT governance rules, ICT security rules, and Critical ICT Incident Response  
Team Regulations

Natural disaster and epidemic risks

Secretaries & General Affairs 
Division and Marine Safety Division

Rules for Crisis Management Office, Rules for Headquarters of Emergency Control 
for Disaster and Pandemic, and MOL BCP summary

Compliance risks

Corporate Audit Division
Divisions responsible for Group 
company management

Compliance rules, Group company management rules, Internal audit rules

Risks related to human rights and 
various risks in the value chain

Environment & Sustainability 
Strategy Division
Human Resources Division

MOL Group Human Rights Policy, MOL Group Basic Procurement Policy, MOL 
Group Supplier Procurement Guidelines, Declaration of Harassment Prevention, 
Compliance rules, and Rules of Conduct

 Measures to Upgrade Risk Management  
MOL faces risks stemming from changes in the value of its 

Control in the event of the actualization of a risk event that 

assets, which are the source of the Company’s business 

could significantly impact the business activities of the Group. 

returns, due to fluctuations in the shipping market. With such 

In such a contingency, this headquarters will strive to ensure 

risks in mind, in fiscal 2014 we introduced a framework for 

the continuity of the Group’s businesses, maintain corporate 

Total Risk Control, renamed Asset Risk Control in fiscal 2022. 

value, and implement appropriate countermeasures based on 

Under the framework, quantitative evaluations of risk are 

due consideration for social impact. We have also launched an 

conducted by verifying the adequacy of shareholders’ equity 

endeavor focused on establishing a risk assessment process 

levels relative to the amount of value at risk (VaR). Moreover, 

for the periodic identification and evaluation of the risks faced 

the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee regularly 

by certain Group companies.

review these evaluations. (For details, please see page 27 as 

In addition, we aim to introduce a system that enables 

well as “Shipping Market Fluctuation Risks, Customer Credit 

overall analysis of geopolitical risks and sustainability-related 

Risks, and Country Risks” on the opposite page.)

risks—both of which are becoming increasingly important due 

Further, we are continuing to upgrade administration 

to changes in the external environment—and produces results 

systems for risks related to project and ship management, the 

that can be used in management decision-making. In 2022, 

business continuity plan (BCP), and compliance. Based on the 

the Board of Directors conducted deliberations focused on an 

experience of responding to an oil spill off Mauritius caused in 

overall assessment of risks and began exploring the estab-

August 2020 by the chartered vessel WAKASHIO, in 2021 we 

lishment of Companywide risk mapping.

stipulated the establishment of a Headquarters of Crisis 

Risk Management-Strengthening Measures to Date

Fiscal 2014

•  Introduced Total Risk Control (now named 

Asset Risk Control)

Fiscal 2017– 
Fiscal 2018

•  Revised Total Risk Control (Increased the 

consistency of investment criteria)

Fiscal 2018

•   Introduced risk summary sheets for delibera-

tions of the Board of Directors

Fiscal 2019

•  Promoted the introduction of a fuel surcharge 

in preparation for stricter SOx regulations

•  Prepared MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1
•  Introduced internal carbon pricing
•  Established a crisis response framework
•  Began strengthening initiatives for chartered 

Fiscal 2021

vessel owners

•  Began analysis aimed at upgrading 
Companywide risk management*1

•  Began analysis with a view to strengthening 

Group company risk management

*1 Risk mapping designed to identify overall risks and prioritize responses

 Summary of Major Risks and Countermeasures  
Risks Associated with Operations

Centered on marine transport, MOL operates roughly 800 

sufficient training, putting in place precise operational rules, 

vessels and offshore plants, and these vessels and plants are of 

providing support from our Head Office, and installing neces-

many different types. As a company that provides social infra-

sary facilities.

structure, some of the most serious risks we face are damage 

Even in the event of an accident that could not be avoided 

to ships and cargo or injury to crew members caused by vessel 

despite our best efforts, involving damage to MOL or related 

collisions, ships running aground, fires and other accidents, as 

parties, the Company is prepared with insurance policies that 

well as environmental pollution from leakage of cargo oil and 

have the necessary amount of coverage (general liability insur-

bunker oil (oil spills). To prevent accidents from occurring, 

ance, hull and machinery insurance, war-risk insurance, loss of 

without regard to owned vessels or chartered vessels, MOL’s 

hire insurance) in order to secure adequate funds for any com-

Headquarters of Safety Operations, sales divisions, shipowners 

pensation and to avoid a major impact on the Company’s busi-

(for chartered vessels), and ship management companies work 

ness performance.

closely together on tangible and intangible aspects of safety, 

To mitigate reputational risk, MOL implements emergency 

from training and supervising crew members to adoption of 

response training once a year for major maritime accidents, 

safety standard specifications which effectively maintain the 

responding to the media and disclosing information about the 

safety of our vessels. We also make a variety of preparations to 

accident. Media consultants are hired when necessary.

counter the dangers of piracy and terrorism by providing 

Shipping Market Fluctuation Risks, Customer Credit Risks, and Country Risks

Another fundamental risk on a par with accidents in the 

To disperse risk, we use portfolio management that devel-

marine transport business is the risk of fluctuations in the 

ops a fleet comprising diverse types of vessels subject to 

shipping market. To prevent excessive market risks, we 

different patterns of market fluctuation. This approach helps 

manage risks by (1) limiting the total amount of risks, (2) 

us to balance market risk across divisions, compensating for 

dispersing risks, and (3) reducing the amount of risks during 

peaks and troughs.

each fiscal year.

Last, we reduce the amount of risks during each fiscal 

To limit total risk exposure, we take steps to obtain 

year by using freight forwarding agreements (FFAs) to hedge 

medium- to long-term contracts with domestic and overseas 

risk on vessel types such as Capesize bulkers and VLCCs.  

customers that are highly creditworthy. In addition to narrowing 

We secure stable profits by reducing market exposure during 

down the portion of the fleet that is exposed to the market, we 

each fiscal year.

work to minimize risks by setting vessel charter periods from 

  We manage our total amount of shipping market risks 

shipowners to coincide with periods of contracts with custom-

with a method we uniquely developed, called Asset Risk 

ers, thus neutralizing our exposure to market fluctuation. When 

Control (→ page 27), to periodically measure and control risks 

investing in vessels not allocated under medium- to long-term 

so that it does not become excessive in comparison with 

agreements, we carefully monitor future vessel supply–demand 

shareholders’ equity.

balance and selectively execute such investments.

72

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Risk Management

Exchange Rate, Interest Rate, and Bunker Price Fluctuation Risks

Natural Disaster and Epidemic Risks

Exchange Rates 
While the revenues of the Group’s core oceangoing marine 

Bunker Prices
Bunker costs represent a large portion of ship operating 

To keep vessels operating even in the event of major earth-

executive vice president. We implemented a range of mea-

quakes or other natural disasters and to fulfill our social role 

sures to simultaneously ensure (1) securing the safety of 

transport business are mostly in U.S. dollars, some costs and 

costs, and in the past, price fluctuations had a significant 

of maintaining supply chains, we have formulated a BCP 

related parties, and reducing the risk of spreading the infec-

borrowings are on a Japanese yen basis, presenting an 

impact on the MOL Group’s profits. However, currently, most 

manual and introduced satellite offices and backup systems, 

tion, and (2) fulfilling MOL’s mission to serve as social infra-

exchange rate risk. MOL strives to limit its exposure by dollar-

medium- to long-term contracts with customers contain 

and also provide ample training. We have completed the 

structure. We transitioned to full-time teleworking and rapidly 

izing costs and borrowings. To reduce this risk further, we 

bunker adjustment factor or bunker price surcharge clauses 

distribution of notebook PCs to all executives and employees 

identified any impacts on operating vessels and took neces-

also flexibly employ foreign exchange hedging to limit profit 

that have the customer shoulder the risk of bunker price 

and put remote working environments in place that use 

sary measures. As a result, we have successfully maintained 

sensitivity.

Interest Rates 
The MOL Group is constantly investing capital to build new 

fluctuations. For short-term contracts, we work out freight 

rates reflecting bunker prices at the time, or employ a formula 

to adjust freight rates that take into account changes in bunker 

prices. For the remaining exposure, we work to reduce the 

ships and replace existing ones. When securing long-term 

risk amount by using bunker forward trading. With these 

funding for capital investment, in principle we hedge interest 

countermeasures, the impact of bunker price fluctuations on 

rate risk by using fixed-rate loans or interest rate swaps.

profit and loss is now very limited.

Climate Change Risks

cloud-based tools. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 

business operations without any major disruptions, with the 

pandemic that started at the outset of 2020, in February 2020 

exception of challenges for crew member changes due to 

MOL quickly launched a response headquarters led by an 

restrictions on travel between countries.

Compliance Risks

Compliance Initiatives
In 2014, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) found  

reports and consultations strictly confidential and ensure that 

personnel, including those cooperating with an investigation, 

that the MOL Group had violated Article 3 of the Japanese 

are not treated unfairly. We also welcome compliance-related 

Antimonopoly Act in certain car carrier shipping trades. In 

inquiries through our website from external parties, including 

By causing more severe weather and sea events, climate 

disclosed a road map for achieving this goal, and is now in the 

response, the MOL Group has updated its compliance rules, 

customers and suppliers both domestic and international.

change such as global warming can present a danger to safe 

process of introducing clean alternative fuels and energy-

which determine the scope and Rules of Conduct of its execu-

ship operations. The movement toward decarbonization to 

saving technologies while increasing the sophistication of 

tives and employees, and provided ongoing training to ensure 

Initiatives to Comply with Antitrust Laws and Prevent 

combat climate change has the potential to drastically change 

efficient fleet operations. By developing and providing solu-

the business environment for MOL, which requires large 

tions for alternative fuel transportation and low-carbon or 

that the importance of compliance—as the major premise of 

all corporate activities—is etched deeply into the minds of all 

Corruption
The MOL Group takes rigorous measures to ensure compli-

volumes of bunker oil and transports various kinds of fossil 

decarbonization technology, MOL views this change as a 

executives and employees, and make it the linchpin of deci-

ance with the Antitrust Act and prevent corruption. We have 

energy as a main cargo, in the context of higher costs to 

business opportunity as decarbonization stimulates new 

sions in daily business operations. The Compliance 

an Antimonopoly Act Compliance Code and an Anti-Corruption 

comply with public regulations and a structural reduction  

demand. The MOL Group uses a TCFD framework to visualize 

Committee convenes every three months to discuss compli-

(Anti-Bribery) Policy, as well as a Do’s & Don’ts Guide, which 

in transport demand.

its climate change risks and formulate related policies.

ance matters within the Group and respond to any violation 

provides a set of more specific guidelines. We also implement 

Under MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1, which is in 

tune with these trends, MOL aims to achieve net zero GHG 

emissions by 2050. The Company has formulated and 

Cybersecurity Risks

For details, please see “Conservation for Marine and Global 
Environment” on pages 46 to 49.

MOL aims to prevent security incidents by implementing the following measures to counter cybersecurity risks that have increased 

in recent years. In the event one occurs, we will take steps to minimize any adverse effects.

incidents. Further, the number and details of compliance 

a range of training sessions to keep all employees informed 

events are disclosed within the Company to raise awareness 

by providing them with overviews and points to note in relation 

among all executives and employees.

to domestic and international laws and regulations.

Compliance Advisory Service Desks
The MOL Group has established internal and external compli-

  With respect to corruption prevention, in fiscal 2022 we 

formulated a new Anti-Corruption Policy. As an addition to the 

Groupwide coverage of existing anti-bribery rules, the new 

ance advisory service desks available in Japanese and 

policy calls on business partners involved in MOL’s business 

English. These service desks can be used by officers, employ-

activities to comply with the rules. Further, to reflect the 

ees, and temporary staff of MOL and its Group companies. 

growing expectations of society in recent years, we have pre-

The external advisory service desk is entrusted to an outside 

pared a version of the policy in English and posted the policy 

❶  Create organization dedicated to cybersecurity, and establish a response system for serious ICT incidents (strengthen collabora-

attorney to run. The attorney transmits reports and consulta-

on our website. Moreover, the formulation of the policy is part 

tion across worldwide Group companies, including operating vessels)

❷  Standardizing internal regulations, security tools, IoT environment updates, and operations within the Group 
❸  Assess Groupwide cyber risks and execute countermeasures
❹  Implement e-learning and targeted email training to improve security awareness and literacy of executives and employees
❺  To quickly gather information, coordinate with National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC), 

JPCERT, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Transportation ISAC Japan, and Nippon CSIRT Association

❻   Other: Build a cybersecurity management system (CSMS) for operating vessels that complies with international rules, 
strengthen network security with cloud security services, and assess and devise countermeasures for ransomware

tions received to the Compliance Committee and continues to 

of an action plan under the “anti-bribery” initiative focus of 

serve as a liaison between the Company and people submit-

the “governance and compliance to support businesses” 

ting reports or seeking consultations. Both service desks keep 

Sustainability Issue set out in the MOL Sustainability Plan.

For details on information security, please visit our website.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/governance/security/index.html

For details on compliance, please visit our website.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/governance/compliance/index.html

74

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Financial and Corporate Information 
Risk Management

Risks Related to Human Rights and the Value Chain

The MOL Group is stepping up measures related to respect for 

internal and external stakeholders, these policies and guide-

human rights and responsible procurement, which are initia-

lines underscore our commitment to human rights. Also, we 

tive focuses set out under the “governance and compliance to 

are reaching out to business partners to seek their under-

support businesses” Sustainability Issue. In March 2022, we 

standing of and cooperation with the policies and guidelines 

newly established the MOL Group Human Rights Policy and 

so that together we can build a sustainable value chain based 

the MOL Group Supplier Procurement Guidelines and revised 

on due consideration for human rights, safety, and the 

the existing MOL Group Basic Procurement Policy. Targeting 

environment.

Human Rights and Value Chain Policies and Guidelines

MOL Group Human Rights Policy

MOL Group Basic Procurement Policy

MOL Group Supplier Procurement Guidelines

Newly established

Revised

Newly established

The policy reiterates the Group’s com-
mitment to eliminating any violations of 
human rights in business activities as 
well as to advancing appropriate initia-
tives to this end.

The policy summarizes issues that must 
be taken into consideration in the pro-
curement of the goods and services 
required by the Group for business 
activities. The recent revision clarifies the 
Group’s commitment to human rights.

While the MOL Group Basic 
Procurement Policy cover the issues 
that the Group must take into consider-
ation, the guidelines summarize issues 
on which the Group would like coopera-
tion from business partners.

Value Chain Management
Having established and developed policies and guidelines, we 

related to the environment, human rights, and governance. 

will build a value chain management system while strength-

Beginning from fiscal 2023, MOL will conduct activities aimed 

ening related in-house measures. By following the steps 

at reducing the risks identified while disclosing details of 

shown below, in fiscal 2022 we will formulate and introduce a 

initiatives in a timely and appropriate manner to ensure 

value chain monitoring system that incorporates human 

accountability to stakeholders.

rights due diligence and ascertain the actual status of risks 

Steps That Will Establish Value Chain Management

00  Policy establishment

01 
Implementation 
monitoring

00
Policy 
establishment

Establishment of a human rights policy, basic 
procurement policy, and supplier procurement 
guidelines; periodic revision; and the explana-
tion to suppliers of the purpose and details of 
policies and guidelines

01
Implementation 
monitoring

Implementation of written and on-site surveys 
to confirm that policies and guidelines are 
being appropriately reflected in the value chain

04 
Information 
dissemination

Human 
rights due 
diligence

02 
Issue 
identification

02
Issue 
identification

Based on the clarification of actual and potential 
risks in the value chain through monitoring, 
identification of issues related to human rights, 
safety, and the environment that must be resolved

03 
Improvement 
activities

03
Improvement 
activities

04
Information 
dissemination

Improvement of initiatives that are aimed at 
addressing the identified issues and verification 
of the effectiveness of the improvements 
through monitoring conducted in the following 
fiscal year

Steady dissemination of information on the 
Company’s initiatives to ensure their 
transparency

For details on the MOL Group Basic Procurement Policy and the MOL Group Supplier Procurement Guidelines, please visit our website.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/governance/procurement/index.html

For details on the MOL Group Human Rights Policy and human rights due diligence initiatives, please visit our website.
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/governance/human/

Initiatives for Specific Business Partners

The MOL Group’s Value Chain

Owned vessels

Shipbuilding

Crew manning

Bunker oil supply

Marine transport
Cargo handling (loading 
and unloading)
Vessel maintenance

Vessel sale and 
recycling

Related 
stakeholders

Shipyards

Ship management 
companies
Crew manning companies

Bunker oil suppliers

Stevedores
Repair yards

Vessel purchasers
Vessel recycling yards

Chartered 
vessels

Delivery

Bunker oil supply

Marine transport
Cargo handling (loading 
and unloading

Redelivery

 Initiatives in Partnership with Chartered Vessel Owners

 Initiatives in Partnership with Vessel Recycling Yards

To ensure high levels of safety throughout our fleet, we not 

Upon reaching the end of their service lives, vessels must be 

only apply the MOL Safety Standard Specifications to our 

scrapped (recycled) to ensure the safe operation of fleets and 

owned vessels but also to vessels procured under medium-  

marine environmental protection. By weight, approximately 

to long-term charter contracts. An additional aspect of our 

95.0% of a vessel is recyclable, and we have our owned ves-

efforts to heighten safety levels involves actively sharing 

sels recycled by selling them to companies that specialize in 

safety awareness and exchanging information and opinions 

vessel purchasing. Meanwhile, as vessel recycling is a labor-

with shipowners through visits to their vessels and offices as 

intensive industry, the major vessel recycling yards are 

well as the holding of periodic liaison meetings with shipown-

located in developing countries. At these yards, the manage-

ers. Through such activities, we detect problems at an early 

ment of hazardous substances, environmental impact, and 

stage and take prompt countermeasures. Also, we revise the 

the occupational health and safety of laborers have become 

MOL Safety Standard Specifications whenever necessary.

matters of international concern. To address such vessel 

In 2020, an accident off Mauritius—in which the 

recycling-related issues, the Hong Kong Convention for the 

WAKASHIO, a bulker chartered by MOL, ran aground and 

Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the Hong 

spilled oil—had a considerable impact on the local communi-

Kong Convention) was adopted by the International Maritime 

ties and the natural environment. Even though shipowners 

Organization in May 2009, and countries are advancing their 

are legally liable for accidents involving chartered vessels,  

respective ratification processes with a view to effectuation of 

we understand the social responsibility that we have to take 

the convention. The convention prohibits or limits the loading 

measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of such  

and use of hazardous materials on board vessels and requires 

an accident. In response to the WAKASHIO accident we are 

the preparation and updating of inventory lists that record the 

strengthening measures to ensure the safety levels of char-

quantities and locations of hazardous materials on board. 

tered vessels. To further enhance the effectiveness of these 

Ultimately, this information must be provided to vessel recy-

measures, in relation to safety levels, we will establish KPIs, 

cling yards. Further, the convention obligates vessel recycling 

develop databases, expand and enhance management and 

yards to establish appropriate management systems for 

support systems, and introduce new safety technologies. 

personnel safety and waste disposal.

Partnering with shipowners, we will advance initiatives with a 

view to realizing world-leading safety levels.

MOL Group Vessel Recycling Policy
In realizing more-sustainable vessel recycling, we believe that vessel recycling yards must not 
only protect the environment and prevent occupational safety issues but also respect the 
human rights of workers.

•  We only select vessel recycling yards that have received third-party certification from Nippon Kaiji 
Kyokai,  commonly  known  as  ClassNK,  for  compliance  with  the  Hong  Kong  Convention  as  well  as 
prescribed environmental, safety, and labor standards.

•  Even after vessels have been sold to companies that specialize in vessel purchasing and delivered to 
vessel recycling yards, we visit the yards to check the progress of vessel breaking work and require 
yards to provide us with detailed reports.

Environment

Sustainable 
recycling of 
vessels

Human Rights

Safety

76

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)Financial and Corporate Information 
 
 
 
 
Financial and Non-Financial Highlights

For the year

Shipping and other revenues

Shipping and other expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Operating profit (loss)

Ordinary profit (loss)

Income (loss) before income taxes 
and non-controlling interests

90,885

(24,459)

(24,320)

92,946

(15,766)

(28,568)

(33,516)

(137,938)

100,458

116,024

41,092

54,985

71,710

57,393

(25,615)

94,255

17,249

51,330

58,332

42,356

(66,656)

92,494

Profit (loss) attributable to owners of parent

(26,009)

(178,846)

Free cash flow [(a) + (b)]

Cash flows from operating activities (a)

(129,298)

5,014

(25,285)

78,955

Cash flows from investing activities (b)

(134,312)

(104,240)

(119,870)

(159,150)

Depreciation and amortization

85,624

94,685

83,983

87,803

GEAR UP! MOL 

RISE 2013

STEER FOR 2020

ROLLING PLAN

2012/3

2013/3

2014/3

2015/3

2016/3

2017/3

2018/3

2019/3

2020/3

2021/3

2022/3

(Millions of yen)

¥1,435,220

¥1,509,194

¥1,729,452

¥1,817,069

¥1,712,222

¥1,504,373

¥1,652,393

¥1,234,077 

¥1,155,404

¥  991,426

¥1,269,310 

1,368,794

1,432,014

1,587,902

1,683,795

1,594,568

1,388,264

1,513,736

1,094,915

1,035,771

911,055

1,117,405 

115,330

2,323

36,267

(154,385)

(170,447)

182,508 

209,189

(26,681)

92,771

113,551

2,558

25,426

23,303

5,257

(56,318)

17,623

(73,941)

87,190

115,972

22,684

31,473

(28,709)

(47,380)

(2,471)

98,380

101,442

37,718

38,574

46,778

26,875

(143,093)

55,248

(100,851)

(198,341)

86,629

90,138

95,852

23,779

55,090

47,130

32,623

(6,527)

100,723

(107,250)

87,765

85,674

(5,303)

96,899 

55,005 

133,604

721,779 

100,313

732,993 

90,052

44,238

98,898

(54,660)

85,798

708,819 

200,187 

307,637 

(107,450)

86,399 

At year-end

Total assets

¥1,946,161

¥2,164,611

¥2,364,695

¥2,624,049

¥2,219,587

¥2,217,528

¥2,225,096

¥2,134,477

¥2,098,717

¥2,095,559

¥2,686,701 

Total tangible fixed assets

1,293,802

1,303,967

1,379,244

1,498,028

1,376,431

1,323,665

1,290,929

1,193,910

1,201,698

1,099,458

Total investments and other assets

Interest-bearing debt

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Amounts per share of common stock*1  

249,228

869,619

717,909

637,422

323,468

422,426

577,157

1,046,865

1,094,081

1,183,401

619,492

535,422

783,549

679,160

892,435

782,556

353,197

381,097

425,300

524,411

533,320

637,736

1,044,980

1,122,400

1,118,089

1,105,873

1,096,685

1,026,994

646,924

540,951

683,621

571,983

628,044

511,242

651,607

525,064

641,235

513,335

699,150

577,782

1,111,152 

1,187,472 

1,000,697 

1,334,866 

1,274,570 

Profit (loss) attributable to owners of parent (Yen)

¥ 

     (72.53)

¥    (498.57)

¥   159.97

¥   118.07

¥    (475.00)

¥    14.65

¥   (132.05)

¥    74.91

¥    90.93

¥   250.99

¥ 1,970.16

Net assets (Yen)

1,777.57

1,492.53

1,893.00

2,180.87

1,507.60

1,594.08

1,424.94

1,463.46

1,430.77

1,610.04

Cash dividends applicable to the year (Yen)

16.67

0.00

16.67

23.33

16.67

6.67

6.67

15.00

21.67

50.00

Management indicators

Gearing ratio (Times)

Net gearing ratio (Times)

Equity ratio (%)

ROA (%)

ROE (%)

Dividend payout ratio (%)

1.36

1.23

32.8

(1.3)

(4.0)

―

1.96

1.58

24.7

(1.4)

(30.5)

―

1.61

1.35

28.7

2.4 

9.5 

10.4

1.51

1.35

29.8

2.1 

5.8 

19.8

CO2 emissions of MOL Group*2 fleet (Thousand tons)

Number of MOL Group*3 employees

19,660

9,431

18,876

9,465

17,810

10,289

18,803

10,508

Note: Rounded down to the nearest one million yen
*1  The Company consolidated its common shares on the basis of one (1) share for every ten (10) shares effective October 1, 2017. Also, the Company split its common shares on 
the basis of three (3) shares for every one (1) share effective April 1, 2022. Figures have been calculated based on the supposition that said share consolidation and share split 
were implemented at the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

*2  The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The emissions of the containership operating company Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE), which began operations in 

fiscal 2018, are not included. (Since the issuance of MOL Report 2021, the emissions of ONE have been retroactively deducted from past figures to unify the scope of calculation.)

*3 The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries

1.93

1.64

24.4

1.5 

(25.8)

―

1.96

1.64

25.8

1.1 

0.9 

45.5

2.19

1.82

23.0

1.4 

(8.7)

―

2.11

1.88

24.6

1.8

5.2

20.0

2.14

1.94

24.5

2.6

6.3

23.8

18,676

10,500

18,203

10,794

17,774

10,828

12,199

8,941

11,137

8,931

1.78

1.63

27.6

6.4

16.5

19.9

9,831

8,571

3,532.32

400.00

0.78

0.71

47.4

30.2

76.5

20.3

10,112

8,547

78

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceFinancial and Corporate InformationSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)The MOL Group’s Global Network

  United  
Kingdom

  Japan

  India

  Singapore

■ Headquarters and Chief Executive Representative Offices

  Chief Country / Regional Representative Offices
  Group company (50% stake or more) offices

Countries and Regions with Group Offices (As of April 30, 2022)

Europe / Africa

United Kingdom
Italy
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
France
Belgium
Czech Republic
Poland

Russia
Turkey
Kenya
Republic of  
South Africa
Mozambique
Republic of 
Mauritius

East Asia / Southeast Asia / Oceania

Vietnam
Malaysia
Myanmar
Australia
New Zealand

Japan
Republic of Korea
China
Taiwan
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Thailand
Philippines
Singapore

South Asia /  
Middle East

Sultanate of Oman
Qatar
United Arab 
Emirates
India
Sri Lanka

North America / 
Central America / 
The Caribbean

United States of 
America
Canada
Mexico
Panama

  United States  
of America

  Brazil

South America

Brazil
Chile
Colombia

History of the MOL Group
Building trust by anticipating customer needs and the demands of the times

1884  

1964  

2010  

Osaka Shosen Kaisha (O.S.K. Line) is established 
by a union of small- and medium-sized shipown-
ers in the Kansai region.

1890  

O.S.K. Line launches its first overseas route 
service between Osaka and Busan.

1909  

O.S.K. Line launches its first long-distance ocean 
service between Hong Kong and Tacoma.

1930  

KINAI MARU, a high-speed cargo ship, travels 
from Yokohama to New York in 25 days, 17 hours, 
and 30 minutes (advanced ships at the time 
averaged 35 days back then).

1939  

ARGENTINA MARU and BRASIL MARU, two 
leading cargo-passenger ships in prewar Japan, 
ply routes to South America.

1942  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. spins off its shipping department 
to create Mitsui Steamship Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Line).

Industry restructuring through consolidation of 
marine transport companies

O.S.K Line and Mitsui Line merge to form Mitsui 
O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.

1965  

MOL launches Japan’s first specialized car 
carrier, the OPPAMA MARU.

1968  

Service of full containership the AMERICA MARU 
begins.

1993  

Crew training school is established in the Philippines.

1995  

World’s first marine transport alliance called The 
Global Alliance (TGA) is formed with two over-
seas shipping companies.

1999  

New Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is established through 
the merger of MOL and Navix Line.

2004  

DAIBIRU CORPORATION becomes a consolidated 
subsidiary of MOL.

First participation in FPSO project

2017  

Becomes the first company to own an FSRU in 
Asia

2018  

Container shipping joint venture of three 
Japanese companies, Ocean Network Express 
Pte. Ltd. (ONE), starts business operations.

Establishment of maritime academy in the 
Philippines

Accomplishing the Company’s first natural gas 
transportation in the Arctic Ocean eastward 
route using an ice-breaking LNG carrier

2020  

MOL’s first LNG bunkering vessel is delivered.

2022  

DAIBIRU CORPORATION and Utoc Corporation 
become wholly owned subsidiaries of MOL.

Information Disclosure and External Recognition

Promoting Information Disclosure and Engagement

Given that we have positioned contributing to the growth and 

In recent years, MOL has implemented an array of initia-

development of people and communities as one of our 

tives to show the positioning of management goals and improve 

Sustainability Issues (→page 53), we consider engagement 

governance, including the revision of the Group’s corporate 

with investors, shareholders, and other stakeholders to be an 

mission and long-term vision, the formulation of MOL Group 

important management task.

Environmental Vision 2.1 and the MOL Sustainability Plan, the 

At MOL, senior management is committed to taking the 

resolution of the issue of parent–subsidiary listings, the intro-

lead in investor relations (IR) activities. The CEO is accountable 

duction of a stock remuneration system, and the establishment 

to stakeholders and expresses key ideas in his own words by 

of a CEO succession plan. We are also moving forward with 

participating in interim and full-year financial results briefings 

many different industry-leading measures in terms of busi-

as well as individual and group meetings with domestic and 

ness, such as the building of vessels equipped with Wind 

overseas investors. Further, fully appreciating the importance 

Challenger hard sail system and various types of LNG-fueled 

of fair disclosure, we disclose financial highlights, business 

vessels as well as participation in projects related to the off-

performance briefing materials, integrated reports, and other 

shore wind power generation business and the carbon busi-

core IR tools in both Japanese and English. Moreover, in fiscal 

ness. The aforementioned initiatives are by no means solely the 

2021 we began providing online videos of financial results 

result of our aspirations but rather reflect the opinions of 

briefings for analysts and institutional investors.

investors, shareholders, and a range of other stakeholders.

In addition to the dissemination of information, we place 

Through continued in-depth communication with our 

particular emphasis on the in-house feedback of opinions 

stakeholders, we will elevate our corporate value even further.

obtained through dialogue with stakeholders. Feedback 

obtained from meetings with investors is compiled and 

reported regularly to the Board of Directors and the Executive 

Committee. When more-specific opinions on management 

plans and the Sustainability Issues are received, the Corporate 

Communication Division, which is in charge of IR, directly 

communicates the feedback to the relevant divisions and 

encourages them to incorporate and reflect it not only in  

the enhancement of disclosure but also in the implementation 

of measures.

Policies and Measures That Reflect External Feedback

•  Revision of corporate mission and long-term vision
•  Formulation of MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1 and 

the MOL Sustainability Plan

•  Resolution of the issue of parent–subsidiary listings
•  Revision of the director remuneration plan
•  Introduction of a CEO succession plan
•  Raising of the dividend payout ratio

IR Activities in Fiscal 2021

IR Materials (Available on MOL’s website)

Activity

Frequency

Detail

Material

Japanese

English

For securities 
analysts and 
institutional 
investors

For overseas 
institutional 
investors

Financial results briefings

4 times

Quarterly results / forecasts

Small meetings with the CEO

5 times

Two held each in spring and autumn, once 
for responsible investment managers

Overseas investor road shows

2 times

Held online (once in Europe, Asia)

Conferences held by securities 
companies

6 times

Participation in online conference 
(individual meetings)

For individual 
investors

Corporate presentations for 
individual investors

1 time

Participation in online seminars for 
individual investors

Stock exchange filings (financial 
highlights, etc.) 

Business performance briefing 
materials (including summaries 
of Q&A sessions)

Business performance results 
briefing video

Integrated report

Securities reports (“Yuho”) 

Quarterly reports 

Business reports for shareholders 

Investor guidebook

Market data

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

―*1

―

―*2

Yes

Yes

*1 Abridged version posted as Financial Statements
*2 Posted as Business Report

External Recognition

80

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceFinancial and Corporate InformationSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary (In alphabetical order)

Shareholder Information

■  CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage)
■  CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization)
CCS is a technology for capturing and storing carbon dioxide before  
it is released into the atmosphere at plants and power stations. CCU 
is a technology for using captured carbon dioxide to make fuel and 
chemicals. Combining these two technologies is called CCUS (Carbon 
Capture, Utilization, and Storage).

■  Chemical Tankers
Tankers fitted with multiple tanks to transport many different types of 
liquid chemical cargo at the same time. These tankers have complex 
design specifications, as they are equipped with independent pipe-
lines, cargo pumps, and temperature-regulating functions for each 
tank, in addition to dedicated facilities for cleaning and other features.

■   Clean Ammonia
This is ammonia produced using technologies that do not emit GHG. 
Clean ammonia is broadly classified into two types: blue and green. 
Blue ammonia is produced from fossil fuels, but the CO2 generated is 
captured and stored. Green ammonia is derived from renewable 
energy sources. The use of clean ammonia technologies in combina-
tion with ammonia-fueled vessels, which are currently under develop-
ment, promises to advance low-carbon marine transport.

■  FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading System)
An FPSO is a floating facility that produces, stores and offloads oil 
and gas. Crude oil produced and stored offshore is directly loaded 
into shuttle tankers for transport.

■   FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit)
■   FSU (Floating Storage Unit)
An FSU is a floating facility for storing LNG offshore. An FSRU  
has the same structure as an FSU with an additional function for 
regasification of LNG onboard, with which it can send out vaporized 
natural gas to land through a pipeline. FSRUs and FSUs are being 
adopted for a growing number of projects to establish LNG receiving 
terminals all over the world because of their advantages, including  
a shorter lead time and lower costs compared to conventional 
onshore receiving terminals.

■  ICP (Internal Carbon Pricing)
ICP is a system that sets a fixed in-house price for GHG emissions.  
The system enables the quantification of GHG emission reductions as 
positive economic impacts. Therefore, it promotes low-carbon invest-
ments that would otherwise generally be viewed as cost-increasing 
factors. ICP is also expected to mitigate carbon tax and other future 
charges on GHG emissions.

■  IMO (International Maritime Organization)
A United Nations specialized agency that promotes intergovernmental 
cooperation on technical and legal issues affecting international ship-
ping, such as maritime safety, navigation efficiency, and prevention of 
marine pollution. It also creates a regulatory framework for the ship-
ping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted, and univer-
sally implemented.

■  LNG Carriers
Tankers designed for the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 
To transport LNG which has been cooled to –162°C, LNG carriers make 
use of a wide variety of technologies in various ship parts, including 
specialized tanks that can withstand extremely cold temperatures and 
emergency shut-off devices to prevent accidents in cargo operation.

■  NOx
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) is a cause of atmospheric pollution, and it is 
created when nitrogen combines with oxygen in the air under high 
temperatures, like when fuel is combusted inside engines. NOx 
emissions from ships are regulated by IMO rules, and the third set 
of NOx regulations went into effect in 2016.

■  PBCFs (Propeller Boss Cap Fins)
Developed by MOL in collaboration with two other companies in 1987, 
these energy-saving devices are attached to the propeller shafts of 
vessel propulsion engines. Propeller blade rotation generates vortices 
that lead to energy loss. By eliminating these vortices, PBCFs reduce 
fuel consumption by approximately 5.0%. As of April 2022, our PBCFs 
have been installed in approximately 3,700 vessels of all types. 
Moreover, in 2021 PBCFs were certified as the “Best-selling Energy-
Saving Ship Appendage Brand” by Guinness World Records.

■  RoRo (Roll-on / Roll-off) Ships
These ships have rampways that allow vehicles to be driven on and 
off the ship. They can also transport trucks and trailers loaded with 
cargo. Some ships equipped with RoRo systems are pure car carri-
ers, which mainly transport vehicles that are not loaded with cargo 
and construction machines. Other RoRo ships are ferries that trans-
port cargo vehicles, passengers, and privately owned vehicles.

■  Small- and Medium-Sized Bulkers
Panamax, Handymax, and Handysize dry bulkers that mainly trans-
port general bulk cargo, such as coal, grain, salt, cement, and steel 
products.

■   SOx
SOx encompasses sulfur dioxide (SO2) and other sulfur oxides, which 
are substances that pollute the atmosphere when oil, coal, and 
other fossil fuels that contain sulfur is incinerated. In the shipping 
industry, SOx emissions in the exhaust gas of ships are regulated, 
and in January 2020, regulations were tightened, greatly reducing 
the allowable sulfur content in bunker fuel from 3.5% to less than 
0.5% (general sea areas).

■   Subsea Support Vessels
Vessels designed for installation and maintenance of subsea facili-
ties during production and exploitation of offshore oil and gas fields.

■  Synthetic Methane/Methanation
This is methane produced from CO2 and hydrogen. Like natural gas, 
synthetic methane can be used as a marine fuel. Methanation is the 
process used to produce synthetic methane. By using CO2 from the 
atmosphere and hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources 
as raw materials, CO2 can be cyclically used. This process can sig-
nificantly lower GHG emissions, which contribute to global warming.

■  TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)
A disclosure framework specializing in climate-related information. 
It encourages companies to disclose the financial impact climate 
change has on their business.

■  Trim
This refers to the lengthwise inclination of a vessel’s hull, which 
results from the difference between the bow and aft drafts. 
Normally, trim by aft, where the aft is deeper than the bow, tends to 
be preferred for ease of vessel handling. However, joint research by 
MOL and Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc. demonstrated 
that optimum trim by bow improves propulsion efficiency. MOL is 
endeavoring to improve fuel efficiency by developing and introducing 
to vessels software that analyzes the optimum trim for each vessel 
depending on its draft, speed, and route as well as such factors as 
weather conditions.

82

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Team 

Corporate Communication Division

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. 

1-1, Toranomon 2-chome, Minato-ku, 

Tokyo 105-8688, Japan

EMAIL  iromo@molgroup.com

WEB  https://www.mol.co.jp/en/

Capital

Head Office

¥65,400,351,028

1-1, Toranomon 2-chome, Minato-ku, 
Tokyo 105-8688, Japan

Number of MOL employees

1,098

Number of MOL Group 
employees
(The parent company and 
consolidated subsidiaries)

8,547

Total number of shares 
authorized

946,200,000*

Number of shares issued

361,885,833*

Number of shareholders

137,413

Shares listed on

Tokyo Stock Exchange

Share transfer agent 
(Contact information)

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited Stock 
Transfer Agency Business Planning Department
8-4, Izumi 2-chome, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 
168-0063, Japan

Communication materials

MOL Report
Investor Guidebook
Market Data
Website
YouTube Official Channel

(As of March 31, 2022)

Stock Price (Tokyo Stock Exchange) and Volume of Stock Trade*

Fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2020

Fiscal 2021

High   

Low   

 ¥1,052
 ¥496

High   

Low   

 ¥1,462
 ¥534

High   

Low   

 ¥3,880
 ¥1,247

(¥)
4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

(Million shares)
800

4
5
2019

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1
2
2020

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1
2
2021

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1
2
2022

3

4

5

6

7

8

*  Figures have been calculated based on the number of shares after the Company split its common shares on the basis of three (3) shares for every one (1) share effective 

April 1, 2022.

640

480

320

160

0

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MITSUI O.S.K. LINES  MOL REPORT 2022Corporate GovernanceFinancial and Corporate InformationSustainability Strategy Value Creation StoryRolling Plan (Management Plan)