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MOL Donates Model of Wind Challenger-equipped Shofu Maru to IMO
- Underscores MOL Efforts toward Decarbonization with Wind Propulsion Technology -
November 14, 2025
TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced that it presented a model of the coal carrier Shofu Maru-the world's first vessel equipped with a Wind Challenger hard sail wind propulsion system (Note 1)-to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during the Wind Propulsion Reception hosted by the International Windship Association (IWSA) (Note 2) in London on October 22.
From left, Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of IWSA; Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of IMO;
and Tatsuro Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer of MOL
The reception included a commemorative ceremony for the model ship donation with the participation of over 200 representatives of shipping industry stakeholders from various countries who attended the 20th Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships held at IMO from October 20-24. MOL also introduced its initiatives to reduce GHG emissions using the Wind Challenger, providing an opportunity to exchange views on wind propulsion technologies.
The reception venue and MOL booth
MOL will proactively introduce wind propulsion technologies, including the Wind Challenger, and integrate them with fuel diversification and operational efficiency enhancements to help achieve the shipping industry's shared goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. In addition, the company intends to actively engage in discussions at international organizations such as the IMO to build momentum for industry-wide action.
(Note 1) For details, please refer to: The Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion System | "Wind Challenger" | Services | MOL Solutions (mol-service.com)
(Note 2) The International Windship Association is a non-profit membership organization that facilitates and promotes wind propulsion technology for commercial shipping.
MOL Group 5 Sustainability Issues
MOL Group identifies "Sustainability Issues" (Materiality) as our key issues for sustainable growth with society through realization of the Group Vision.
We anticipate this initiative to contribute especially to the realization of "Environment -Conservation for Marine and global environment-" and "Innovation -Innovation for development in marine technology-."
