MOL Welcomes New Employees with Inspiring Speech on Challenges Ahead

Addressing the Future: President Hashimoto's Speech at MOL's New Employee Ceremony

On October 1st, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), led by President Takeshi Hashimoto, welcomed 38 new employees, marking a significant moment in the company's rich 141-year history. This year’s new recruits include 17 maritime graduates and 21 land-based professionals. During the welcome ceremony, President Hashimoto shared his thoughts on the company's current challenges and its future direction.

In his address, Hashimoto began by extending his congratulations to the new employees, expressing his joy at welcoming fresh talent into the MOL family. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and maintaining an open culture within the company, which has been nurtured through numerous mergers over its longstanding history. However, he candidly acknowledged certain challenges, including the slower decision-making processes caused by a culture that emphasizes consensus.

The rapid advancements in the global economy present significant hurdles for MOL, as traditional methods alone can no longer ensure a competitive edge. Hashimoto stressed the company's need for a gradual yet significant transformation in both mindset and corporate culture to meet these changes head-on. Despite the necessity for evolution, he reassured the new employees that the company would continue to uphold its valued traditions of mutual respect and constructive debate, aiming to balance innovation with time-honored practices.

Currently, MOL operates over 900 vessels with a workforce predominantly comprised of international seafarers, with Japanese crew members making up less than 10%. These Japanese seafarers, recognized for their extensive experience and technical skills, are seen as essential assets for the company’s future leadership. MOL is prioritizing their training and development to prepare them for prominent roles within the organization.

Hashimoto also highlighted MOL’s vision of becoming a global social infrastructure company. As the company expands its operations, there are increasing opportunities for non-Japanese speakers within and outside the company. While advancements in AI and machine translation are promising, he strongly reinforced the necessity of direct communication skills, urging all employees to invest in their language capabilities, especially in English.

In conclusion, MOL's ambitious long-term management plan, known as “Blue Action 2035,” sets the stage for transformative growth, but achieving this vision requires dedication and collective effort from all employees. Hashimoto encouraged each employee to strive for personal and professional growth, fostering a new future for MOL. He expressed his heartfelt anticipation for the challenges and growth opportunities that lie ahead for the new members of the MOL family, as they embark on this exciting journey together.