MOL PLUS Wins NIKKEI Blue Ocean Award for Climate Change Initiatives

MOL PLUS Receives 2025 NIKKEI Blue Ocean Award

MOL PLUS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), has proudly been awarded the 2025 NIKKEI Blue Ocean Award in the climate change category. This recognition marks an important milestone as it is the first time the group has received this accolade. The NIKKEI Blue Ocean Award is aimed at honoring businesses and individuals actively engaging in initiatives to combat climate change.

The award is primarily bestowed upon organizations that showcase concrete efforts in addressing climate change. MOL PLUS was recognized for its pioneering project focused on the incorporation of a next-generation energy storage system in the port and logistics sector, in collaboration with Singapore-based startup, VFlowTech. This innovative project aims to facilitate a decarbonization strategy across the logistics and shipping sectors by leveraging renewable energy resources, especially solar power, by utilizing excess energy storage solutions.

At the core of this project, MOL PLUS is working to introduce advanced energy storage systems in port operations and logistics warehouses. The initiative is designed to convert traditional energy consumption to renewable energy, actively promoting sustainability for the logistics industry. Currently, MOL has stationed personnel at two overseas bases, MOL (Asia Oceania) and MOL (India), to create leasing models for energy storage systems specifically tailored for Southeast Asia and India.

During the award ceremony held on December 4, judges praised the project for its market potential to effect societal change, collaborative capabilities, and the potential for future growth. They highlighted the innovative approach to address the decarbonization of port power sources by transitioning to renewable energy solutions coupled with advanced battery technology. Furthermore, the judges expressed optimism regarding the project’s contribution to establishing a new international model for decarbonization, particularly given MOL’s extensive international network.

MOL PLUS is committed to continuous innovation to create new business opportunities by collaborating with startup companies that offer innovative ideas and technologies. By utilizing MOL’s resources alongside the unique capabilities of startups, the company’s mission is to add new value to the shipping industry and society at large.

This recognition underlines MOL PLUS's commitment to sustainability and its proactive stance in significantly contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping and logistics industries. The collaboration with VFlowTech, renowned for developing long-lasting and safe vanadium redox flow battery systems, further emphasizes the innovative direction the company is taking.

In the future, MOL PLUS aims to enhance collaborations and investments in startup companies to foster innovative solutions that align with global sustainability goals. The focus is on generating synergistic effects between cutting-edge technologies offered by startups and the diverse resources of the MOL Group. The journey towards creating sustainable value continues with aspirations to combat climate change effectively through strategic partnerships.

As the demand for sustainable practices in the maritime and logistics sectors grows, initiatives such as MOL PLUS's will play a crucial role in shaping a greener future for the industry. The commitment to sustainability sets a powerful example for other companies in the sector and speaks to the urgent need for innovation in combating climate change.

Conclusion

The NIKKEI Blue Ocean Award serves as a robust platform to recognize and support businesses engaged in preserving ocean environments and sustainable resource management. MOL PLUS's achievement not only highlights its commitment to climate action but also encourages others to pursue innovative projects aimed at creating a more sustainable future.

With projects like those of MOL PLUS leading the charge, the hope is that more entities will contribute to a sustainable blue economy and ecosystem.