MOL Hosts the Online Event for Seafarers to Mark IMO International Day for Women in Maritime
- Exploring Practical Insights from the Front Lines; Fostering Onboard Environments that Empower Women -

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Jotaro Tamura, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) today announced that on May 18, it held an online event for seafarers to commemorate International Day for Women in Maritime 2026 ^{(Note 1)}, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Introduced by MOL last year, this event aims to deepen understanding of the work environments and challenges faced by women seafarers and to promote the creation of an onboard workplace where they can work with confidence and thrive.

In addition to seafarers and cadets, many participants from manning companies and ship management companies also joined, bringing the total number of attendees to 90. Notably, seafarers comprised of not just women but men as well which created an opportunity to deepen understanding of women seafarers' challenges and concerns and build a shared awareness across the organization.
The seafarers' discussion session featured a lively exchange of views from diverse perspectives, covering topics including the various challenges experienced on board and effective ways to seek support.

In the event, a cheering message was delivered by our MOL Welfare Officer ^{(Note 2)}. In addition, Kelly Takano, general manager of the IT & Digital Strategy Unit and a member of the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association Japan (WISTA Japan ^{Note 3)}, provided an overview of WISTA International's activities.
The MOL Group positions diversity, equity, and inclusion-including the promotion of women's advancement-as a new driver of growth. The group has incorporated this concept as one of the core principles of its "Human Capital Vision," a key initiative for strengthening its management foundation under Phase 2 of its management plan, "BLUE ACTION 2035." Going forward, the group will continue to promote the advancement of women seafarers and leverage the diverse personalities, skills, and experiences within the organization to drive sustainable growth in corporate value.

(Note 1) The IMO Assembly adopted a resolution in 2021 designating May 18 of every year as International Day for Women in Maritime. This observance honors women in the maritime industry and aims to promote the recruitment, retention, and sustainable employment of women in the sector, raise their visibility, and support efforts to address the current gender imbalance in the maritime field.
(Note 2) Please refer to the May 8, 2025, MOL Information:
MOL Launches "OceanCare" -A Dedicated Wellbeing Support Program for Seafarers -Dedicated Welfare Officer Newly Appointed
(Note 3) WISTA Japan was launched last year as the Japanese chapter of Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) International, an organization that supports the advancement of women in the maritime, trade, and logistics industries.
Website: WISTA Japan - WISTA International

The MOL Group 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 "Human Capital."