In a world where the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to modernize, decarbonize, and digitize, MOL PLUS has emerged as a pivotal force driving innovation from within. Established in May 2021, MOL PLUS is the corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), one of the largest and most historic global shipping companies in operation today, based in Tokyo, Japan. The primary goal of MOL PLUS is not just to invest in promising startups but to integrate their innovations into MOL’s operations, catalyzing the transformation of global shipping through collaborative innovation. This makes MOL PLUS both a fund and a strategic innovation platform with the power to reshape the future of maritime logistics and sustainability thanks to the scale it has access to through its parent entity.

The launch of MOL PLUS is rooted in MOL’s strategic vision known as “BLUE ACTION 2035,” a long-term roadmap aiming to strengthen sustainability, digitalization, and operational excellence. Realizing that internal innovation alone could not keep pace with the rapid technological evolution in areas like AI, clean energy, and digital supply chains, MOL created an internal “Incubation Bridge” initiative to identify and support agile, forward-thinking startups. This process gave birth to MOL PLUS, which operates as an external venture capital entity but remains tightly aligned with MOL’s operational goals and environmental commitments.

MOL PLUS was conceived by Takuya Sakamoto, a long-time employee of MOL who proposed the venture arm during a corporate initiative to crowdsource transformation ideas from within. Sakamoto now leads MOL PLUS as its CEO, bringing both insider understanding of the shipping giant’s operations and a fresh, startup-minded perspective. His vision is to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem where startups benefit from MOL’s vast maritime experience and networks, while MOL gains access to disruptive ideas, technologies, and entrepreneurial momentum.

MOL PLUS positions itself as a strategic investor, focusing on startups that operate in the fields of maritime technology, clean energy, artificial intelligence, supply chain digitization, and big data. These investments go beyond capital and include hands-on support, pilot opportunities, access to MOL’s global fleet and infrastructure, and integration with strategic initiatives like port digitization, smart shipping, and sustainable energy transition. The fund has participated in innovation programs such as Singapore’s PIER71 Smart Port Challenge, reflecting its commitment to global collaboration.

MOL PLUS is 100% funded by MOL, and at launch, it operated with a capital allocation of ¥4 billion, approximately USD $30 million. While further capital expansions have not been publicly disclosed, MOL PLUS continues to deploy funds across several continents, investing in startup hubs in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Its portfolio strategy is to seek early-to mid-stage startups with the potential to scale globally and deliver real impact in the ocean economy.

One of the notable case studies showcasing MOL PLUS’s strategic approach is its co-investment in Katapult Ocean’s Deep Blue Fund I. This fund targets early-stage ocean and climate technology startups. As a strategic partner, MOL PLUS doesn’t just act as a silent investor; it collaborates actively with Katapult Ocean and its portfolio companies by offering maritime insights, access to operational data, and testing grounds across MOL’s fleet. This synergy allows startups to validate their innovations in real-world shipping environments while MOL benefits from accelerated innovation pipelines.

Another example of its hands-on approach is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2024 between MOL PLUS, MOL Engineering (MOLEA), and Hycamite, a Finnish startup developing methane-splitting technology for decarbonized hydrogen production. The MoU aims to explore how Hycamite’s zero-emissions methane conversion system could be applied to MOL vessels for clean onboard power generation. Such projects underline MOL PLUS’s unique value proposition bridging early-stage clean-tech innovation with hard-to-decarbonize sectors like ocean shipping.

MOL PLUS is setting a strong example of how legacy companies can innovate not just internally, but by forming dynamic ecosystems with startups and venture communities. Through a carefully curated investment strategy, hands-on collaboration, and a focus on climate and digital transformation, MOL PLUS accelerates Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ transition from a traditional shipping carrier to a leader in sustainable, tech-enabled maritime logistics. As the maritime sector faces increasing regulatory, environmental, and technological disruption, MOL PLUS is positioning MOL at the forefront of the ocean economy’s next chapter.

References :

1. MOL PLUS. (2021). About Us – Creating New Value in the Ocean Shipping Industry. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://en.molplus.net
2. MOL PLUS. (2024, March 25). Hycamite, MOLEA, and MOL PLUS sign MoU on methane-to-hydrogen application for onboard power. Retrieved from https://en.molplus.net/newsabout/mhCOaXC6
3. MOL PLUS Features. (2025). MOL Group Vision and Role of MOL PLUS. Retrieved from https://en.molplus.net/features#molgroup
4. Katapult Ocean. (2023). MOL PLUS to Invest in Deep Blue Fund I. Retrieved from https://katapult.vc/ocean/mol-plus-to-invest-in-deep-blue-fund-1
5. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. (2021). Press Release on Launch of MOL PLUS with ¥4 Billion Capital. Retrieved from https://www.mol.co.jp/en/pr/2021/21003.html

Contributor : Dyah Ayuning Tyas
Reviewer : Imam Buchari