Japan's MOL issues Environmental and Social Report for 2012 in English

JAPAN's Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd (MOL) has issued the English version of its Environmental and Social Report 2012, introducing the company's approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR), its philosophy on protecting the environment and its latest initiatives for stakeholders.

Several affairs, such as "A series of natural disasters occurring around the world, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and flooding in Thailand; "A global economic slowdown triggered by the European debt crisis;" and "The public losing faith in institutions due to dysfunctional corporate governance through cruise ship accidents and other failures" raises questions about corporate social responsibility during fiscal year 2011.

"The events have reaffirmed the societal mission of the MOL Group, which is to support people's lives and industry around the world," a company statement said.

The special features in this year's report explain the details of MOL's major CSR initiatives as a shipping company, entitled: "Forging Ahead to Become the World Leader in Safe Operation." This special feature outlines how measures to enhance safe operation, which are unique to MOL and include onboard efforts and support from onshore staff, are utilized in actual vessel operation.

The "Senpaku ISHIN" section covers the Emerald Ace launched in June 2012, which is the world's first hybrid car carrier equipped with solar panels and lithium-ion batteries, and the concept of the next-generation vessel with a significantly lower environmental burden.

The "Global Social Contribution Activities" report introduces the principles of MOL's social contribution efforts and discusses activities worldwide based on those principles.

The "Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake" special feature takes an in-depth look at the company's disaster-response measures and efforts to enhance its risk-management system.

In addition, the report introduces MOL Group businesses from the viewpoint of the reader, explaining how the MOL Group supports people's lives as well as global industry.

The company said its goal is to make the MOL Group an excellent and resilient organization that grows sustainably and harmoniously with society while gaining the trust of stakeholders through those efforts.

The English version of the MOL Environmental and Social Report 2012 is available online at: http://www.mol.co.jp/csr-e/report/download/index.html