MOL achieves top environmental rating (

To achieve the loan, MOL had to meet strict environmental standards set by SMBC and the Japan Research Institute.

The group scored highly on environmental management, environmental protection measures and environmental business. It was ranked as a company whose corporate management reflects deep concern for the environment.

Other MOL initiatives that were commended include its proactive efforts to save energy, reduce waste and its wide use of ‘Eco-sailing’ to boost vessel operational efficiency. MOL was also praised for its research and development initiatives such as its adoption of propeller boss cap fins (PBCF).

The achievement of the completion of hybrid car carrier Emerald Ace, designed to generate zero emissions while berthed, was also recognised.

The vessel is equipped with a hybrid electric power supply system that combines a 160kW solar generation system with lithium-ion batteries that can store around 2.2MWh of electricity, which can be used instead of the conventional diesel-powered generators to supply onboard electricity while berthed. The system generates electricity by solar power while the vessel is under way, and stores the energy in the batteries.