Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced the receipt of 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits, marking one of the largest volumes of its kind in Asia. The credits were generated through the “Darjeeling Revival” project in India, an initiative led by Alt Carbon that utilises innovative enhanced rock weathering (ERW) technology.
The project involves spreading crushed basalt across tea plantations and farmland in West Bengal. This process triggers a natural chemical reaction where rainwater captures CO2 and converts it into stable carbonates. These minerals eventually flow into the ocean, where they remain safely sequestered as calcium carbonate for over 10,000 years.
MOL is scheduled to receive a total of 10,000 tons of credits from Alt Carbon as part of a long-term commitment to scale high-quality carbon removal solutions. Beyond carbon capture, the ERW process has been scientifically shown to improve soil quality and increase agricultural yields for local farmers.
The credits are verified under rigorous protocols by Isometric and are publicly disclosed to ensure international credibility. This transparency is a key component of MOL’s broader environmental strategy.
“MOL is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” the company stated, noting that this initiative represents a major step toward that goal. Under its “BLUE ACTION 2035” plan, the shipping giant intends to combine innovative carbon removals with alternative fuels and energy-efficient measures to realize a sustainable society.
