MOL Approves 1^st Grant Project Under 'MOL BLUE Ocean Fund'
- Supporting Demonstration of a New Beach Debris Collection System Using Robotics and AI -

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Jotaro Tamura; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) today announced the selection of the first grant project under its social contribution fund, MOL BLUE Ocean Fund ^{(Note 1)}-an AI-enhanced robotics system to collect debris on beaches, implemented by Pirika, Inc. (Representative Director: Fujio Kojima; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) ^{(Note 2)}.

The project aims to develop a system that automatically identifies, picks up, transports, and collects beach debris by combining robotics with AI-based debris recognition technology. To accomplish this, Pirika will verify the robot's performance in real-world environments such as sandy beaches, as well as the accuracy of its debris recognition capabilities. The company will also assess the feasibility of real-world deployment through studies of current beach-cleaning practices and stakeholder needs. Through this project, the company aims to create a new option for the continuous and efficient collection of beach debris. For more information about the project, please click the link below.
URL: https://www.mol.co.jp/en/sustainability/society/blueoceanfund/003/

Through the support provided by MOL BLUE Ocean Fund, the MOL Group will collaborate with a diverse range of partners to support the development of new mechanisms that contribute to solving ocean-related social issues.

(Note 1) The MOL BLUE Ocean Fund is a grant program that supports the creation of mechanisms that contribute to solving social issues in the MOL Group's priority areas of social contribution: "Marine Environment," "Inspiring the next generation," and "Supporting local communities," primarily in regions closely connected to the group's business operations. Through collaboration with organizations with expertise in these fields, including educational institutions, NPOs, and social startups, the program aims to create social value from a long-term perspective. For details, please refer to the May 22, 2026, MOL Information: "MOL Establishes New Social Contribution Fund: "MOL BLUE Ocean Fund' Aims to Create Social Value in 3 Priority Areas, Including Marine Environment."
(Note 2) Pirika, Inc. is an environmental startup that aims to address environmental issues through science and technology, with a focus on tackling the problem of litter entering the natural environment. The company develops and provides platforms such as "Pirika," which visualizes litter-picking activities, and "Takanome," which uses camera footage to detect litter on streets and analyze its distribution.

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"BLUE ACTION MOL" is a general term for the Sustainable Action by MOL Group that balances 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, Ltd.

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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 "Environment."