Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, announced the name of a company-MOL Sunflower Ltd.-will integrate two wholly owned ferry and coastal RORO vessel operating companies-MOL Sunflower. The new company brings together MOL Ferry and Ferry Sunflower Limited
The new company will carry on the “Sunflower” brand, which has supported Japan’s logistics for half a century and continues to contribute to the enrichment of people’s lives through cruise travel. MOL Sunflower Ltd. will begin operations on October 1, offering enhanced services as Japan’s largest ferry and coastal RORO vessel operator, with six regular routes and 15 vessels in service.
In April 2023, MOL established the “Headquarters of Wellbeing & Lifestyle Business” as an organizational structure to support the expansion of its non-shipping businesses, and place the ferry and coastal RORO vessel business, which has a strong business-to-consumer (BtoC) nature, as well as real property, cruise ship, and other businesses within the headquarters to make them one of the pillars of its business. MOL intends to achieve further company growth by integrating and consolidating these two companies, which serve as the core of the MOL Group ferry business.
■ Routes and vessels operated by the new company
| Route | Vessel | Ship type |
|---|---|---|
| Oarai – Tomakomai | Sunflower Sapporo Sunflower Furano Sunflower Daisetsu Sunflower Shiretoko |
Ferry |
| Tokyo – Hakata | Sunflower Tokyo Sunflower Hakata |
RORO |
| Tokyo – Kanda | Musashi Maru, Buzen, Suou | RORO |
| Osaka – Beppu | Sunflower Kurenai Sunflower Murasaki |
Ferry |
| Osaka – Shibushi | Sunflower Satsuma Sunflower Kirishima |
Ferry |
| Oita – Kobe | Sunflower Gold Sunflower Pearl |
Ferry |
* No change from current status.
■ Background and Objectives of Integration
- Aiming to flexibly meet changes in customer transportation needs and further improve transport services by concentrating the management resources of the group companies, with an eye toward a decarbonized society, digital transformation (DX), and solutions to logistics and social issues stemming from Japan’s declining birthrate and aging society, as typified by the shortage of truck drivers.
- Accelerating the spread of the “Casual Cruise Concept” (Note 2) through improved customer services and stronger marketing in the digital field, in light of changing passenger demand due to diversifying lifestyles and values. The MOL Group will contribute to improving the well-being of its customers by offering a comfortable cruise where passengers can feel “bonding,” “peace of mind,” and “confidence” with their families, friends, pets, colleagues, and acquaintances.
- The MOL Group will further strengthen its ties with local governments and communities in ferry departure and arrival areas, and contribute to regional revitalization and local economies.
