Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced plans to move the MOL Technology Research Center from its current site in Nishikojiya, Ota Ward, Tokyo, to Aso Ward in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The company held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site in Kawasaki on May 20. MOL executives on hand for the event included Senior Managing Executive Officer Yoichi Aoki, Executive Officer Kenji Yokota, and others involved in the project. All the attendees prayed for a safe conclusion to the construction work.
The MOL Technology Research Center analyzes vessel fuel oils and lubricants, developing a fuel oil pretreatment device, research and development on CO2 reduction, and other R&D efforts to improve storage and transport technologies such as advanced reefer containers.
MOL decided to move the center to Micom City at Kuriki in Kawasaki’s Aso Ward because of the age of the current buildings and changes in the surrounding environment. The new center will be an environment-friendly research facility using energy-saving technologies such as solar energy, natural lighting, and ice thermal storage system.
The center will conduct a range of productive research activities and function as a core of MOL Group R&D aimed at promoting environmental protection and reducing vessel operating costs.
The New Address is 2-2-8, Kuriki, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Total floor area is 1,057m2. The buildings will feature reinforced concrete (RC) construction, steel-frame (S) construction, an office and analysis building (2 stories above ground), and a laboratory (1 story above ground). Completion of construction is planned for February 2010.