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MOL Signs Positive Impact Finance Loan Deal with Mizuho Bank
- Addressing Sustainability Issues by Expanding Fundraising Base -
April 27, 2023
TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced the conclusion of its first commitment line agreement (Note 1) through "Positive Impact Finance" (Note 2) with Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (Mizuho Bank; President and CEO: Masahiko Kato; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo).
"Positive Impact Finance" is a type of ESG financing based on the Positive Impact Financing Principles (Note 3). Under the "Mizuho Positive Impact Finance" that MOL has signed with Mizuho Bank, company's social impact (both positive and negative) is comprehensively and quantitatively assessed by using an impact assessment framework originally developed by Mizuho Research & Technologies, Ltd. If the assessment is identified as "intended to create a positive impact," the loan will be provided for ongoing support of the initiatives.
The MOL Group identifies five "sustainability issues" as social issues to be prioritized through its businesses, and established a specific action plan to address these issues, the MOL Sustainability Plan (MSP), as part of the management plan "BLUE ACTION 2035."
The loan affects the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) from Mizuho Bank, with key performance indicators (KPIs) for each of the following themes based on MOL's sustainability issues. MOL was deemed eligible for the loan and the contract was concluded.
| Theme | KPI | Target/Policy | SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment, water (quality), biodiversity and ecosystem services | Achievement of the “four zeroes” (MOL and its consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas)
|
Every year: Achieve zero cases |   |
| Biodiversity and ecosystem services | No. of vessels equipped with ballast water treatment systems (MOL-owned vessels) | FY2023: 260 vessels | |
| Climate, resource efficiency and safety | GHG emissions intensity of ocean transport (Major domestic and overseas MOL and its group ship operating companies) | 2035: 45% reduction (compared to 2019) |   |
| Environmental Investment (MOL and its consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas) | FY2023-2025: ¥650 billion | ||
| No. of clean alternative fuel-powered vessels delivered (MOL Group) |
|
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| Atmosphere | SOx emissions per ton-mile (MOL and its major consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas) | 2030: 14% reduction (compared to 2020) |  |
| Inclusive and healthy economy and employment | Training of foreign human resources (MOL Group) |
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| % of women in management positions (Non-consolidated land-based positions) | FY2025: 15% | ||
| MOL Group Key Positions (MGKP, Note 4) Incumbent composition rate (women, from outside the Head Office, under 40s) | FY2025: Female - 8% From outside the Head Office - 30% Under 40s - 15% |
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| Energy | Promotion of offshore wind power related projects (MOL Group) | Every year: Initiatives such as participation in offshore wind power generation projects | |
The progress and results of these initiatives will be disclosed in the Integrated Report and other media issued by MOL. In concluding the Loan, MOL obtained a third-party opinion from Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd., about conformity with Principles for Positive Impact Finance for the assessment and consistency with the "Basic Concept of Impact Finance" compiled by the Positive Impact Finance Task Force, which was established based on Paragraph 2 (4) of the Outline for Establishing the High-Level Panel on ESG Finance set up by Japan's Ministry of the Environment.
[Outline of the Loan]
| Date of Contract | April 27, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Term of agreement | 7 years |
| Form of the loan | Commitment line |
| Maximum loan amount | US$ 600million |
| Use of funds | Business capital |
(Note 1) An agreement whereby the bank commits to provide a loan at the customer's request within a pre-determined time frame and credit line set by the bank and the company.
(Note 2) Loans aim at helping companies achieve SDGs, and an unspecified financing scheme that supports measures for improving the impact (positive and negative impacts) of corporate activities on the environment, society, and the economy based on comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the impact of corporate activities.
(Note 3) The Positive Impact Financing Principles create a common framework for finance to achieve the SDGs. They were issued in 2017 by the Positive Impact Working Group, the banking and investment member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), and outline a comprehensive impact assessment of the three dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, social, and economic) from both positive and negative perspectives. In addition, as a tool for impact identification, UNEP FI introduced Impact Radar, which consists of 22 categories, including climate, water, energy, biodiversity, and culture, and traditions.
(Note 4) General manager-level positions at the Head Office and positions designated as equivalent to general manager-level positions at the Head Office in group companies, both in Japan and overseas.
MOL Group 5 Sustainability Issues
MOL Group will contribute to realizing a sustainable society by promoting responses to sustainability issues, which are identified as social issues that must be addressed as priorities through its business.
