MOL's Chief Sustainability Officer Speaks at the UN Ocean Conference

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' Chief Sustainability Officer at the UN Ocean Conference

From June 9 to 13, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), represented by its Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Hirama, participated in the UN Ocean Conference held in Nice, France. This event was aimed at supporting the conservation of oceans and the implementation of sustainable development goals. During the conference, Hirama joined a panel discussion to share MOL's thoughts and initiatives targeting marine environment and ecosystem preservation.

The panel was moderated by Alfredo Giron, Head of Ocean at the World Economic Forum, and included other key figures like Thomas Thune Andersen, Chairman of Lloyd's Register Foundation, Emma Hospes, Head of Strategic Environment and Permitting at Ørsted, and Tony Goldner, CEO of Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD).

As a leading company committed to achieving net-zero emissions, MOL has actively engaged with various industries and international initiatives to foster collaboration. During the conference, MOL co-hosted a side event with the World Economic Forum under the theme of promoting a renewable ocean economy.

In his statements, Hirama highlighted the significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping and how climate change leads to ocean acidification and rising sea temperatures, which negatively impact marine environments. He firmly stated the importance of continuing climate action in preserving marine environments while addressing issues such as underwater noise pollution.

Hirama expressed MOL's strong commitment to reducing GHG emissions in the shipping industry and leading its peers in this critical endeavor. He emphasized the need for further scientific research and technological advancements to mitigate such impacts on marine life. The panel also discussed the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, underscoring the necessity of further research and data collection to formulate effective strategies.

In alignment with its sustainable vision, MOL has established the "MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2." This roadmap outlines five strategies, including the adoption of clean alternative fuels, aimed at fostering environmentally-friendly practices. The company is dedicated to contributing to sustainable development for the benefit of people, society, and the planet, ultimately striving to open a prosperous future through the blue oceans.

The UN Ocean Conference aims to promote further actions in marine conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14. This is achieved through discussions among various stakeholders, including national governments, UN agencies, international financial institutions, NGOs, academia, scientists, and businesses, focusing on the latest marine conservation challenges and solutions.