MOL's Participation at Davos Forum Marks 5 Consecutive Years in Addressing Global Decarbonization Challenges

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Participation in Davos 2026

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, once again made its mark by attending the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23, 2026. This marks the fifth consecutive year the company has participated in this prestigious event, representing the only Japanese shipping company present. Four senior executives, including President Taka Hashimoto, engaged in discussions on various pressing global issues, including decarbonization efforts.

Significant Discussions on Decarbonization

During this year’s Davos Forum, the company’s president participated as a speaker in the official program titled “Meeting of the First Movers Coalition Leaders” on January 20. The First Movers Coalition (FMC) is a collaborative effort among governmental bodies and major global corporations aiming to accelerate the development and implementation of technologies necessary for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. President Hashimoto emphasized the company’s steadfast commitment to this goal and highlighted the critical importance of establishing fair and effective internationally unified regulations for the decarbonization of international shipping.

On the following day, January 21, Executive Officer Jotaro Tamura (who is set to take over as president in April 2026) participated as a panelist in the event “Trade Lanes to Tomorrow, Greening the Maritime Sector,” organized by the Global Maritime Forum. Tamura discussed practical strategies for transitioning toward decarbonization in the maritime industry. He stressed that an all-at-once transition might not suffice and advocated for a balanced approach that includes addressing the pace of large-scale upstream investments alongside integrating low-carbon fuels such as LNG into the transition strategy.

Committing to Sustainability with Blue Action 2035

MOL aims to lead the shipping sector toward a sustainable future with its environmental strategy outlined in the management plan “BLUE ACTION 2035.” With an overarching aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the company is dedicated to incorporating clean alternative fuels, promoting negative emissions technologies, and ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated within their operational frameworks.

As a vanguard in the comprehensive shipping industry, MOL’s persistent participation in the Davos Forum underscores their commitment to mitigating climate change impacts and actively collaborating with industry leaders worldwide on these essential conversations.

The Importance of the First Movers Coalition

The First Movers Coalition serves as a crucial platform for enhancing the cost competitiveness of necessary technologies in reaching a net-zero future. The coalition brings together governments and major corporations globally to foster innovation and advance decarbonization technologies. To learn more, view our press releases related to the First Movers Coalition, highlighting MOL's participation since May 26, 2022, as Japan's first member and its recent recognition as a “Sector Champion” within the shipping sector on September 19, 2023.

In conclusion, MOL continues to pave the way in decarbonizing global shipping, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and strategic planning in achieving sustainable maritime practices.