MOL Hosts Tour of LNG-Fueled Car Carrier and Booth Exhibition on Marine Day
- Highlighting the Appeal of Maritime Transport and Its Role as Social Infrastructure -

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Jotaro Tamura; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) today announced that it participated in the "Commemorative Event for Marine Day 2026," held on Monday, July 20 (a national holiday) at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, in cooperation with the Headquarters for Ocean Policy ^{(Note 1)}, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Nippon Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation. On the day of the event, MOL hosted a tour of the vessel in its "BLUE" series of LNG-fueled car carriers, the Lazulite Ace ^{(Note 2)}.

Children enjoying the onboard activities

This event provided a valuable opportunity for the next generation of children to deepen their understanding of and interest in the shipping industry and the work of seafarers, while also experiencing firsthand the on-site efforts that support safe operation and the role of shipping as social infrastructure underpinning global logistics. Approximately 600 participants—including elementary, middle, and high school students selected from a large pool of applicants, together with their families—joined the tour. Participants boarded the massive car carrier, which measures approximately 200 meters in length and 50 meters in height, and toured the bridge (the vessel's control room) and the crew's living quarters. Throughout the vessel, children and their families listened attentively as crewmembers explained the vessel and the shipping industry. In the hold (cargo space), children observed experienced drivers meticulously loading vehicles, and shared reactions such as "I didn't know that cars were transported by ship. I also learned that many different people work onboard ships.", "I learned how ships are connected to our everyday lives." and "Jobs related to the sea are really cool."

In addition, approximately 260 executives and employees from the MOL Group took part in the event's operations, and by organizing a tour for their families, the event also provided an opportunity for employees to reaffirm the social significance of their work.

Inside the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, MOL set up various booths and activities designed to spark children's interest in shipping and vessels through enjoyable, hands-on experiences. These included a ship handling simulator, quizzes and games related to marine transport, talk shows featuring active officers and engineers introducing their work, and an exhibition of shipping newspapers curated by MOL Ambassadors ^{(Note 3)}.

The MOL Group has named its social contribution initiatives "BLUE ACTION for ALL." By engaging in social contribution activities not only through its core business operations but also beyond the scope of its business, the group aims to help realize a sustainable society. This year, the period from July 20—the date this event was held—through mid October has been designated as the "BLUE ACTION for ALL Campaign," during which every executive and employee at MOL Group locations in Japan and overseas is encouraged to participate in social contribution activities.

(Note 1) This organization was established in the Cabinet based on the Basic Act on Ocean Policy and headed by the Prime Minister.

(Note 2) The Lazulite Ace is the ninth vessel in the "BLUE Series" of LNG fueled car carriers built in Japan and was delivered in March of this year. Nine of the 11 vessels built in Japan are currently in service. MOL is a pioneer that launched Japan's first car carrier in 1965, and today provides safe and reliable transport services through its fleet of approximately 100 car carriers, meeting increasingly diverse customer needs.

(Note 3) MOL Ambassadors are students who learn about the importance of protecting the oceans and the appeal of the shipping industry and play a role in communicating what they learn to their peers who will shape the future. Currently, 17 elementary, junior high, and high school students have been appointed as MOL Ambassadors and are actively engaged in their roles.

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"BLUE ACTION MOL" is a general term for the Sustainable Action by MOL Group that balance corporate growth and a sustainable society. We have incorporated the intention "for ALL" to promote social contribution activities as a group for all environments and creatures on earth into this word and have set MOL Group's social contribution activities as "BLUE ACTION for ALL", as the group's social contribution activities to promote activities based on priority areas.
Social Contribution Activities | Sustainability | Mitsui O.S.K. Lines