MOL Group-managed Vessels Recognized for Excellence in Weather Observation and Reporting for 9th Consecutive Year
- Esshu Maru and Suzukasan Receive 2024 Director-General Award from Japan Meteorological Agency -

May 24, 2024

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced that two vessels managed by its group company MOL LNG Transport Co., Ltd. (President: Toshihiko Ota; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) and MOL Tankship Management Pte. Ltd. (President: Yoshiro Maruta; Headquarters: Singapore), received the Director-General Award from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for the vessels' significant contribution to development of meteorological service by observation and reporting of weather and sea conditions.

The JMA presents the Minister Award from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Commendation and the Director-General Award from JMA to maritime weather reporters on June 1 of every year, which is Japan's Meteorological Day (Note 1). MOL Group-managed vessels have received these awards on this anniversary for nine consecutive years since 2016.

[Winners of the Director-General Award from JMA]

Since it is difficult to collect meteorological observation data at sea, JMA and other meteorological agencies around the world generate meteorological data such as weather maps based on data from vessels underway. This meteorological data not only helps provide daily marine and terrestrial weather forecasts but is also used to monitor and research global warming and climate change.

The MOL Group-managed vessels will consciously and continuously implement this initiative in addition to their daily onboard operations since the collection and provision of meteorological data contribute to safe operations.

MOL Group will continue to provide observation data of weather and sea conditions and contribute to maritime safety and global environmental conservation as a company that grows synergistically and sustainably with society.

(Note 1) Meteorological Memorial Day:
Established in 1942 to commemorate the start of operations at the Tokyo Meteorological Observatory, the predecessor of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), on June 1, 1875, this year marks the 148th anniversary of the observance. A commemorative ceremony is held every year to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to meteorological services.

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 "Safety & Value -Provide added value through safe transportation and our social infrastructure business-," "Environment -Conservation for Marine and global environment-" and "Human & Community -Contributing to the growth and development of people and communities-."