Environmental focus for Japan's 'big three'

摘要

ESG - or environmental, social and governance - are high on the agenda of Japan's 'big three' shipowners - Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), and Kawasaki Risen Kaisha ("K" Line)-in 2021.The focus on environmental matters is particularly acute for MOL which found itself in the global spotlight last year over the grounding of the capesize bulker Wakashio off Mauritius.Wakashio, chartered by MOL from Nagashiki Shipping, ran aground off Mauritius on 25 July last year, later cracking and splitting in two, spilling over 1,000 tonnes of bunker fuel into the pristine waters and coral reefs around the island.In his New Year message MOL president and ceo Junichiro Ikeda said the company must pledge to never allow another accident like the Wakashio.