Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced that the company held its first online event for women seafarers on May 16 to commemorate the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime, which is observed annually on May 18.

This event recognized the invaluable contributions of women seafarers. It aimed at deepening understanding of the environment and issues surrounding women seafarers and creating a workplace environment where they can work with peace of mind, through talk sessions with MOL Group in-house ship management companies, manning companies, and the newly established Welfare Officers this year.

A total of 70 participants, including MOL Captain Naomi Matsushita, the first woman captain of an intermodal ocean shipping group company in Japan, as well as 31 women crewmembers and cadets, came together to celebrate International Day for Women in Maritime Day. During the talk session, they actively exchanged opinions on the background behind their decision to become seafarers and shared their real experiences. They also shared MOL's efforts to improve the onboard living environment and build a support system for women seafarers, including pre-boarding briefings, mental health care, and the provision of sanitary products, and expressed their commitment to collaborating with all parties involved toward the same goal.

The MOL Group positions diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the promotion of women's roles, as a "new driving force for growth," set this as one of the basic principles of the "MOL Group Human Capital Vision," has been selected as a "Nadeshiko Brand" for five consecutive years, which recognizes companies that excel in "the promotion of women's activities." The company has also been selected for the "MSCI Japan Equity Women's Activity Index (WIN)" prepared by MSCI, Inc. of the U.S. for two consecutive years. The group will continue to promote women seafarers and combine their diverse personalities, abilities, and experiences to sustainably enhance corporate value.