Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced a collaboration with Shell Trading Rotterdam B.V. to implement a “book and claim” carbon insetting system. This innovative model allows for the indirect generation of Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) through the use of low-carbon fuels on vessels operated by third parties, decoupling the physical fuel switch from the specific cargo being transported.
The initiative follows the Market Based Measures Accounting Framework published by the Smart Freight Centre. In this arrangement, Shell facilitated a transition from standard fuel oil to a lower-carbon marine biofuel on a non-MOL vessel. While the operator retained the Scope 1 emission benefits, the Scope 3 reductions—typically associated with cargo owners—were waived and allocated to MOL via the 123Carbon registry.
MOL has since converted these verified reductions into EACs, which are now available to customers through its “BLUE ACTION NET-ZERO ALLIANCE” program. This breakthrough demonstrates that shipping companies can credibly offer low-carbon transport solutions even when they do not own the specific vessel involved, provided the process follows rigorous international frameworks.
MOL intends to build on this success by exploring further cross-modal opportunities with Shell, aiming to expand these environmental solutions into air and land transport. This move aligns with the “BLUE ACTION 2035” environmental vision, positioning carbon insetting as a critical tool for achieving net-zero objectives across the global logistics sector.
