News Release
August 10, 2023

JAMSTEC Picks MOL Group Companies for Key Roles in
Arctic Research Vessel Development and Operation
TOKYO—Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced that MOL Ship
Management Co., Ltd. and MOL Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd., both wholly owned MOL subsidiaries, have been
selected as an pre-commissioning crew dispatcher (Note 1) and expected operator for the Arctic research vessel (Note 2)ordered by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC; President: Dr. Hiroyuki Yamato;
Headquarters: Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture). JAMSTEC’s decision is based on the results of the review process
in the Call for Proposals.

<CG rendering of the Arctic Research Vessel>©JAMSTEC

The vessel, currently under construction, will be Japan’s first ice-breaking Arctic research vessel, and serve as aninternational research platform with world-class observation functions, not to mention ice-breaking capabilities. The
objectives are to contribute to the sustainable development, utilization, and conservation of the Arctic region byconducting comprehensive observations of the region’s atmosphere, meteorology, oceans, and sea ice and enhancing
the collection of observational data and scientific knowledge, and to foster the development of researchers, engineers,and other highly skilled personnel.
In response to its selection as the pre-commissioning crew dispatcher and expected operator, the MOL Group will offer
the pre-commissioning crew dispatch services until the vessel is delivered, which is expected to be around November
2026, and take charge of vessel operation after delivery.
The MOL Group is committed to addressing evolving social needs, including environmental conservation, withinnovative technology and services and to delivering new value to all stakeholders, and fully recognizes the significanceof the Arctic research vessel, which brings new value to people, society, and the Earth. The group will contribute to abetter future for the Earth through safe operation of the vessel and creation of an international research platform byutilizing its accumulated know-how and human resources developed in the operation of Arctic shipping routes andhandling of LNG fuel.

Corporate Communications Division, Media Relations Team〒105-8688 2-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3587-7015

E-Mail: mrtmo@molgroup.comThe MOL Group has positioned environmental strategy as a key element in its “BLUE ACTION 2035” management plan,and established the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.” The group will make a concerted effort not only on
measures for climate change, but also marine environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and air pollution
prevention.
(Note 1) A pre-commissioning crew is a person who is dispatched to the shipyard prior to the delivery of the vessel
to attend the outfitting and commissioning of the vessel and check the quality and consistency with theconstruction specifications and to identify any defects. The pre-commissioning crews to be dispatched willbe the vessel’s crew after delivery.
(Note 2) Outline of the vessel (Source: JAMSTEC)
1.

2.

Main specifications (plan)(1) Length: 128m
(2) Beam: 23m(3) Draft: 8m(4) Gross tonnage: 13,000 tons
(5) Ice-breaking capacity: Capable of continuously breaking 1.2m of flat, one-year ice at a speed of 3.0 knots(6) Ice Class: Polar Class 4(7) Accommodations: 99 persons
Main requirements for arctic research vessel(1) High-precision, multi-parameter observation equipment for atmospheric, oceanic, meteorological, andbiological research(2) Fuel-efficient hull shape for ice-breaking, ice-resistant performance, and navigation in ice-free areas(3) Equipped with an advanced ice-sea navigation support system(4) Dual-fuel engine to reduce environmental impact(5) Dynamic positioning system(6) Facilities for deployment and operation of unmanned underwater vehicles (ROVs, AUVs, etc.)(7) Helicopter facilities for safety and sea ice observation(8) Ideal research and analysis environment with a variety of laboratory spaces and excellent network
infrastructure(9) Living and working environment for multinational teams(10) Potential for multi-use and expandable functions(e.g. operation and assistance in areas affected by natural disasters)
For more information on the vessel’s features and project details, please watch the video below:

https://www.jamstec.go.jp/parv/e/
https://youtu.be/DcH_UA4cf8k

MOL Group 5 Sustainability Issues
MOL Group identifies "Sustainability Issues" (Materiality) as our key issues for sustainable growth with society through realization of the Group Vision.
We anticipate this initiative to contribute especially to the realization of “Safety & Value -Provide added value through safe transportation and our social infrastructurebusiness-“, “Environment -Conservation for Marine and global environment-,” “Human & Community -Contributing to the growth and development of people andcommunities-,” and “Innovation -Innovation for development in marine technology-.”Inquiries regarding this matter
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. Corporate Communications Division, Media Relations TeamE-mail: mrtmo@molgroup.com / TEL: 03-3587-7015]