Double-Hull Tankers
We have adopted double-hull vessels in our tanker fleet in order to prevent spills of crude oil, petroleum products, and chemicals caused by a grounding or collision of vessels. Our fleet of tankers is 100% double-hulled.
Double-Hull Fuel Tanks
All vessels carry fuel for their voyages. Therefore, in the same way as with tankers, we have pushed the adoption of double-hull fuel tanks in order to reduce the risk of oil leaking into the ocean in the event of an accident. All vessels delivered since August 2010 have double-hull fuel tanks (or equivalent measures).
Onboard Waste Disposal
On a vessel, which is also a home for seafarers, the same type of garbage as a household is generated. On our operated vessels, based on the MARPOL Treaty, we draw up onboard waste management plans requiring separation, collection, storage and disposal of onboard waste. Waste management officers supervise this process, and work to build thorough awareness of the plan among officers and crew members. Food waste and other biodegradable trash are ground into small particles and disposed of in specified areas of the open sea, and plastic waste is disposed of appropriately on land.
Proper Processing of Waste Oil
Fuel oil for vessels contains many impurities. Water and other contaminants are extracted by pre-treatment before the fuel is used in engines and other equipment. Waste oil containing water and impurities from pre-treatment is heated in a special tank to remove water, and then incinerated in conformity with environmental regulations.
Processing Bilge Water
In a vessel's engine room, bilge water (waste water containing oil) is generated by leakage from seawater pipes and equipment and during maintenance work. We have introduced a bilge source separation system that categorizes bilge water in three stages according to the presence of oil, and collects and disposes of it properly.
Caring for the Environment When Scrapping Vessels
Aging vessels must often be scrapped in the interest of safe operation and protection of the marine environment. However, measures for workers' safety and the environment have been insufficient when scrapping ships in some countries. When selling a ship on the assumption that it will be scrapped, we check that the scrapping yard takes environmental measures in conformity with ISO14001 (or the environmental management equivalent), and uses scrapping methods and procedures that are sufficiently safe for the environment and personnel. In the international community, in May 2009, the IMO adopted the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, and is proceeding with ratification toward its enforcement. This treaty prohibits and restricts the fitting and use of treaty-specified hazardous materials. At the same time, it requires vessels to prepare and update inventory lists showing the quantity and location of hazardous materials on ships over a ship's lifetime. These lists must be handed over to recycling facilities when the ship is finally scrapped. MOL was quick to initiate measures to prepare such lists. Furthermore, in 2010, the company established a task force made up of related divisions in the company, which is working to ensure that the treaty is understood throughout the group, and to share information, including the results of site surveys of scrapping facilities.
