MOL History

1884

Osaka Shosen Kaisha (O.S.K. Line) is founded.

1930

The 10,142 dwt Kinai Maru begins express service between Yokohama and New York, covering the route in 25 days,17 and a half hours, well below the industry average of 35 days.

1939

The Argentina Maru and Brazil Maru are launched. These liners, which carry both cargo and passengers between Japan and South America, draw worldwide attention.

1942

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. spins off its Shipping Department to create Mitsui Steamship Co., Ltd.

1961

The Kinkasan Maru, the first freighter with fully automated centralized bridge operations, is launched.

1964

Japan's shipping industry undergoes a major consolidation, creating Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Japan Line, Ltd. (JL), and Yamashita-Shinnihon Steamship Co., Ltd. (YSL) through mergers.

1965

Japan's first specialized car carrier, the Oppama Maru, is launched, allowing more efficient transport of Japan's burgeoning automobile exports.

1967

MOL adopts the "alligator" logo, designed by illustrator Ryouhei Yanagihara, as the symbol of its worldwide door-to-door container service.

1968

Containerships operated by all three major Japanese shipping companies start services on the Japan-California route -- MOL's America Maru, JL's Japan Ace, and YSL's Kashuu Maru.

1983

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the Senshu Maru, is launched.

1988

ihon Liner System inaugurated, taking over liner operations of JL and YSL.

1989

The launch of the 23,340-gt Fuji Maru, Japan's largest, most luxurious cruise ship, heralds the age of the leisure cruise in Japan. Navix Line is established by the merger of JL and YSL.

1990

A second luxury cruise ship, the Nippon Maru is launched.

1993

Institute of Shipping crew training school is established in Manila.

1994

The MOL Safety Management System is certified for ISM Code and ISO 9002 international quality control standards.

1995

The Global Alliance (TGA) launches service on the European and North America eastbound routes. MOL's first double-hulled VLCC, the Atlantic Liberty is launched.

1996

Liner marketing business acquires ISO 9002 certification.

1998

The New World Alliance (TNWA) service starts. Car carrier business acquires ISO 9002 certification.

1999

New Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is established by the merger of MOL and Navix Line.

2000

MOL Environmental Policy Statement established.

2001

MOL Group Corporate Principles issued.