Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, announced the company’s move toward commercializing an offshore rocket launch and recovery vessel through a partnership agreement with Innovative Space Carrier, and TSUNEISHI SOLUTIONS TOKYOBAY . This project originated from the MOL Group’s new business proposal program, the ‘MOL Incubation Bridge’, designed to encourage employees to foster ideas for new businesses. The company has initiated a full-scale exploration into participation in space-related ventures

MOL’s engagement in space-related business focuses on the offshore launch and recovery of rockets. Aiming for commercialization around 2030, its first step will be to develop a recovery vessel, followed by a feasibility study of the commercialization of an offshore launch vessel. By successfully developing and introducing such vessels, the company will contribute to the development of a new space infrastructure that utilizes the ocean and supports next-generation space transport. In this project, MOL will collaborate with ISC and TSUNEISHI SOLUTIONS TOKYOBAY to realize offshore rocket launch and recovery, with the aim of increasing the frequency of rocket launches. Leveraging the technology and expertise it has cultivated in the shipping and offshore businesses, MOL will continue to create new value for society across a wide range of fields in the space industry as well.