Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced that the company has received the highest rating for SMBC Sustainability Assessment Loans from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. The loan program evaluates corporate actions such as disclosure of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) information and initiatives on sustainability, based on unique assessment criteria developed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Japan Research Institute, Limited, and sets loan conditions based on the results the evaluation, the company said in its press release.
MOL earned high marks for its comprehensive information disclosure, and sustainability, which generally refers to corporate initiatives that are essential to earning the trust of society and ensuring long-term business success while protecting the global environment and contributing to sustainable worldwide growth. MOL received especially high ratings on the following aspects related to ESG and sustainability.
MOL has a strong awareness of the environmental burden of its consolidated group companies in Japan and overseas. It continually pursues technological initiatives to make vessel operation more environmentally friendly and reduce CO2 emissions per unit load by promoting Eco Sailing. MOL also reduces NOx and SOx emissions ahead of international environmental regulations, and steadily implement programs to promote biodiversity, such as installation of onboard ballast water treatment systems before they are required by international treaties.
MOL has taken steps to improve the safety, efficiency, and quality of its vessel operations through initiatives such as establishing the Safety Operation Supporting Center (SOSC) and disclosing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to vessel on-time performance in the containership segment.
MOL has established a structure to help female employees play a more active role in the company, in addition to providing a range of educational and training programs for crewmembers and land-based employees all over the world. In addition, top management has demonstrated a clear commitment to address global social issues such as climate change.