Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, announced that the MOL Group took part in “London International Shipping Week 2025,” a world-renowned event in the shipping industry, from September 15-19.
LISW is a global event that brings together leaders from the shipping, port, and logistics industries to discuss and shape the future of the maritime sector. Held every two years, this year marked its 12th edition.
As a key player in the global shipping network, MOL hosted a networking reception, and President & CEO Hashimoto participated in multiple sessions. Furthermore, MOL was the only Japanese shipping company to sponsor LISW2025 and to join an official session hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

<MOL-hosted Reception (September 15)>

Over 100 guests from the shipping industry, partner companies, and other industry leaders attended MOL’s networking reception creating a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas within the maritime community. Additionally, a discussion between President & CEO Hashimoto and Managing Executive Officer Suryan Wirya-Simunovic highlighted MOL Group’s business development and outlined future areas of strategic focus in Europe and Africa including the U.K.

<Sessions presented by President & CEO Hashimoto>

･’Driving prosperity in a fragmenting world?’ (LISW25 Headline Conference Programme, September 17)
This session was held at IMO Headquarters as an official LISW event, featuring discussions on the interdependence of global trade and geopolitical risks. Panelists discussed the diverse challenges facing the shipping industry and its future prospects, including regulation, security, digitalization, decarbonization, and seafarer well-being. President & CEO Hashimoto emphasized the importance of international cooperation and a rules-based order, noting that “it is creating unprecedented challenges and business opportunities at the same time.” He introduced MOL Group’s efforts to deploy personnel for information gathering in key political hubs, enabling agile responses to the evolving trade environment. He also emphasized the need to improve onboard infrastructure to make the industry more attractive to prospective seafarers.

President & CEO Hashimoto taking the stage (right in all photos)

･’A new training framework for seafarers in decarbonization’ (Hosted by Lloyd’s Register, September 17)
This session focused on the seafarer training framework for vessels powered by emerging fuels such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen, recent developments at the IMO, and industry challenges and case studies. The dialogue emphasized the critical role of human resource development in achieving decarbonization. President & CEO Hashimoto delivered the opening speech, introducing MOL Group’s global network of seafarer training centers. He also participated in a panel discussion, stating: “Globally unified crew training standards are essential for the widespread adoption of vessels powered by alternative fuels. Under MOL Group’s 2050 net-zero target, we will expand our training centers and proprietary educational programs to cultivate personnel capable of handling LNG, ammonia, and methanol. We look forward to collaboration between industry and government to realize a safe and sustainable future for shipping.”

President & CEO Hashimoto taking the stage (Second from the left in the photo on the right)

As part of the regional strategy outlined in its management plan, “BLUE ACTION 2035,” MOL Group is reinforcing its regional businesses and corporate structures. The London Office oversees operations across Europe and Africa and will continue to build on the success of this event to further strengthen its presence in both regions.