Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), the world’s second largest shipowner by fleet size, is exploring significant expansion opportunities in India.
The company plans to move beyond its current operations to establish RORO terminals, strengthen inland logistics services, and enter the Indian shipbuilding sector.
MOL currently concentrates its shipbuilding activities in China, Japan, and Korea. President and CEO Jotaro Tamura indicated that the company is looking for an additional country to boost its global capacity. While India is a primary candidate, MOL intends to start with ships suited to the current capabilities of Indian yards, such as bulk carriers, rather than high-specification or specialized vessels.
The goal is to build long-term ties with Indian shipyards, allowing them to develop high-tech capabilities over time rather than attempting to compete immediately with established high-tech hubs.
Dominance in Car Exports and Logistics
MOL is already the leading player in India’s car export market. The company utilizes port facilities at Mundra, Pipavav, Mumbai, Ennore, and Chennai to move vehicles manufactured in India for global markets.
To support this growing sector, MOL plans to evolve into a full-scale logistics solutions provider. This strategy includes:
Developing dedicated RORO terminals for vehicle handling.
Enhancing inland logistics services to bridge the gap between manufacturing hubs and ports.
Tapping into the rising domestic and export demand for Indian-made automobiles.
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Support for Indian Flagging
MOL is currently the fourth largest shipowner in India, with 13 vessels sailing under the Indian flag. Tamura expressed a commitment to registering more ships in the country, supported by the Indian government’s recent decision to extend its flagging subsidy scheme by another five years. This move aligns with MOL’s strategy to treat India as a priority growth market in its global portfolio.