Tokyo-based shipping line Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) has announced its intent to participate in the Ocean180 project, an industry-academia government collaborative project to conserve marine biodiversity.
Ocean180 aims to protect marine biodiversity which will visualise ocean ecosystems based on big data related to marine life, statistical modelling, and artificial intelligence.
The project, led by the Professor Yasuhiro Kubota of the Biology Program, Marine and Natural Science Department in the Faculty of Science at the University of the Ryukyus, also works alongside research institutes such as universities, citizens, government agencies, companies, and financial institutions.
As part of this, MOL will provide ship operation data, which it has recently been collecting as part of its FOCUS project, cooperating in the development of technology to visualise the impact of shipping on ecosystems, integrating marine life data and ocean shipping data. This is expected to help promote the practice application of the project.
MOL’s contribution to this project directly links in with its MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. By working to preserve marine environments and protect biodiversity, the company has said it contributes to the sustainable development of our society and the preservation of nature.
“From the blue oceans, we sustain people’s lives and ensure a prosperous future,” the company said in its vision.
MOL has also recently contributed to its environmental vision through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN) and Mitsui E&S Machinery, ltd (MES-M) aiming to order ammonia fuelled main engines to power its vessels.
