Conservation of Biodiversity
The MOL Group's activities could have an impact on biodiversity in the following ways:
- Cross-border transportation of alien species via ship ballast water, and organisms attached to vessels and containers
- Impact on eco-system of antifouling ship bottom paints
- Impact on eco-system of buildings and structures on coasts
- Impact on eco-system of paper, stationery, etc., used in offices
MOL works to develop and adopt technologies to minimize the impact of vessels on biodiversity. Furthermore, when constructing buildings on shores or the coast, MOL conducts impact assessments with project partners. Vessels that sail in areas populated by large marine mammals adopt slow steaming, in conformity with laws and ordinances. This reflects MOL's commitment to protecting marine life including whales, which face the threat of imminent extinction.
Moreover, MOL rigorously conducts green procurement and recycling in offices. To raise the awareness of employees regarding protection of biodiversity and the natural environment, MOL makes use of in-house communications tools and participates in activities that protect the natural environment.
- Ballast Water Issue
- Ballast Water
- Viable Organism Analyzer for Ballast Water
- Organisms on Vessels
- Participation in "Nippon Keidanren's Declaration of Biodiversity" as a Promotion Partner
Ballast Water Issue
Ballast water, which is discharged while loading cargo, carries marine organisms around the world and can have a negative impact on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Accordingly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Ballast Water Management Convention in 2004. As the requirements for its ratification were satisfied in September 2016, the convention is slated to go into effect in September 2017.
Transfer of Aquatic Organism via Ballast Water
Ballast Water
Ballast water, which is discharged while loading cargo, carries marine organisms around the world and can have a negative impact on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Accordingly, IMO adopted the Ballast Water Management Convention in February 2004, and its ratification is under way. MOL developed a ballast water treatment system in cooperation with manufacturers. As of April 2020, we had installed the system on a total of 167 ships. We continue to accumulate expertise on ballast water treatment systems, based on the operation of these vessels.
Accumulated total of installation and progress rate of installation plan (MOL owned vessel)
Viable Organism Analyzer for Ballast Water
Satake Corporation and MOL Engineering Co., Ltd. jointly developed the portable "Ballast Water Sample Concentrator" to detect the presence of large-size organisms (minimum diameter ≧50μm) in ballast water samples, and MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. started sales of the equipment on May 15, 2019. The concentrator and the Satake's "Viable Organism Analyzer" are designed and sized to make them easy to carry onto vessels and immediately measure samples onboard. This makes it simple for anyone to measure the number of plankton in ballast water.
MOL began sampling of discharged ballast water and analysis of organisms using this equipment on vessels in service, and validated its performance while gaining additional knowledge and expertise in ballast water analysis and treatment.
Organisms on Vessels
Marine organisms attaching to the bottom of vessels due to the fouling of ship bottom paint and crossing borders is also an issue in the industry. The IMO is discussing guidelines to prevent this. MOL is expressing its views on practicality and other aspects through industry groups to contribute to the process of creating international guidelines.
Participation in "Nippon Keidanren's Declaration of Biodiversity" as a Promotion Partner
MOL supports and adheres to the Declaration of Biodiversity by the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren), and participates as a "Promotion Partner" to clarify this commitment internally and publicly.
- Nippon Keidanren's Declaration of Biodiversity (Summary)
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- Appreciate nature's gifts and aim for corporate activities in harmony with the natural environment
- Act from a global perspective on the biodiversity crisis
- Act voluntarily and steadily to contribute to biodiversity
- Promote corporate management for sustainable resource use
- Create an industry, lifestyle and culture that will learn from biodiversity
- Collaborate with relevant international and national organizations
- Spearhead activities to build a society that will nurture biodiversity