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Ferry and Coastal RoRo Vessel Business

Japan's Leading Domestic Ocean Transport Network Provides Key Regional Connections

The *Sunflower Kurenai* entered service on the Osaka-Beppu ferry route in FY2022
* Awarded "Ship of the Year 2022" in the Large Passenger Ship Sector
* Awarded "Good Design Award 2023"

Latest News

Apr 11, 2024Naming and Launching Ceremony for the Sunflower Kamuy Held 1st LNG-fueled Ferry on Oarai-Tomakomai Route - MOL Group's 3rd LNG-fueled Ferry to Enter Service in Early 2025, Bringing Fleet to 4 -
Mar 22, 2024MOL and MOL Sunflower Receive 17th MLIT Minister's Award for Promotion of Barrier-Free Environments - Recognition for Universal Design of Japan's 1st LNG-fueled Ferries Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki -
Jan 05, 2024Japan's 1st LNG-fueled Ferry, the 'Sunflower Kurenai', Wins Grand Prize in '2023 Nikkei Excellent Products and Services Awards'

MOL Group Ferry&RORO Vessel Business -Cargo Transportation Service-

MOL Group Ferry Business -Passenger Transportation Service-

Outline of Services

The MOL Group's ferry and coastal RoRo vessel business plays a key role in vitalizing local economies and brings more affluent lifestyles to people all over Japan.

Through our cargo transportation service, we connect regional hubs throughout Japan with the comprehensive transport networks on the land and sea. In recent years, public attention has focused on climate change and a shortage of truck drivers in Japan. As an essential player in Japan's "Modal Shift" which realizes a new level in efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, we not only meet customers' needs but also fulfill our social responsibilities.
Our passenger transportation service, we provide convenient services with comfortable facilities that allow passengers to experience an extraordinary voyage, under the "Casual Cruises" concept.

In 2023, Japan's first two LNG-fueled ferries entered service on the Osaka-Beppu route. This reduces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by about 25%, sulfur oxide (SOx) by virtually 100%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by about 85% compared to current ferries, meeting customers' needs while also achieving outstanding environmental performance.

Suite Japanese/Western-style room connect
*Sunflower Kurenai/Murasaki*

History

1912	Osaka Shosen Co., Ltd. opened the Hanshin-Beppu route. First Kurenaimaru, is launched.
1942	The coastal shipping department of Osaka Shosen Co., Ltd. separated and established Kansai Kisen Co., Ltd.
1968	Kyushi Hanshin Ferry Co., Ltd. had been established (changed its name to Diamond Ferry Co., Ltd. in 1969)
1972	Nihon Enkai Ferry Co., Ltd. began operating the Tokyo-Tomakomai route.
1977	Kyushu Kyuko Ferry Co., Ltd. began operating on the Tokyo-Kanda route.
1990	Nihon Enkai Ferry Co., Ltd. changed its name to Blue Highway Line Co., Ltd.
2001	MOL Ferry Co., Ltd. was established and Blue Highway Line Co., Ltd. succeeded the Oarai and Tomakomai routes.
2007	MOL Ferry Co., Ltd. merged with Kyushu Kyuko Ferry Co., Ltd.
2009	Ferry Sunflower Limited. had been established.
2023	Japan's first LNG-fueled ferry, Sunflower Kurenai/Murasaki, entered service. It receives the Ship of the Year 2022 award from the Large Passenger Ship Category. It also receives the Good Design Award 2023 MOL Ferry Co., Ltd. and Ferry Sunflower Limited. were integrated, and MOL Sunflower Ltd. was established.

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