Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced its selection to exhibit in the Japan Pavilion at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Notably, MOL is the only shipping company to secure a spot in the Japan Pavilion.
COP28: A Global Conclave
COP28 serves as a crucial international forum where a diverse array of stakeholders—including international organisations, national and local governments, NGOs, and businesses—convene to deliberate on global strategies and regulations aimed at mitigating climate change. This year’s event marks the 28th iteration of the conference, which has been held annually since 1995.
Japan Pavilion: Showcasing Innovation
The Japan Pavilion aims to spotlight Japan’s leading-edge products, services, and climate initiatives. MOL will feature its “Wind Challenger,” a next-generation wind-propelled sail, and the “Wind Hunter,” a vessel designed for green hydrogen production. The Wind Challenger, initially installed on MOL’s SHOFU MARU vessel in October 2022, is planned for installation on 25 vessels by 2030 and 80 by 2035. Meanwhile, the Wind Hunter project is targeting the development of a large commercial vessel by around 2030, with ongoing demonstration tests to explore new business models for offshore green hydrogen production and energy supply.
MOL’s Environmental Vision
MOL’s participation in COP28 aligns with its “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2,” a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This vision also encompasses the sustainable development of society at large. Both the Wind Challenger and Wind Hunter projects are integral to MOL’s strategy to introduce energy-efficient technologies and expand its portfolio of low- and decarbonised businesses.
A Platform for Global Outreach
MOL intends to leverage its presence at the COP28 Japan Pavilion as a platform to widely disseminate information about these innovative technologies and initiatives. The goal is to foster collaborative partnerships aimed at accelerating the transition to a decarbonised society.
The selection of MOL for the Japan Pavilion underscores the company’s commitment to pioneering sustainable maritime solutions and positions it as a key player in the global effort to combat climate change.