Japan’s MOL to Invest in Indian Logistics Startup Soon

Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), one of the world’s biggest shipping companies, will soon invest in an Indian logistics startup. This step is part of MOL’s plan to expand into new areas beyond shipping. Recently, MOL also put nearly ₹2,000 crore into real estate projects in Gurgaon and Chennai.

Captain Anand Jayaraman, who heads MOL’s operations in South Asia and the Middle East, shared the news during a press meeting. He said talks with the startup are finished, and the official announcement will be made soon. He did not reveal the investment amount. MOL is changing its business model to reduce reliance on marine income. It started MOL Plus in 2021 to support shipping and logistics startups, and MOL Switch in 2024 to back clean energy projects. MOL Plus has also opened a special office in India to explore startup deals.

Captain Jayaraman said logistics is their main area of interest, and MOL prefers to invest along with others rather than buy full control. He added that clean technology companies could get larger investments based on their potential.

In shipping, MOL is also looking at India’s shipbuilding industry as a new option instead of depending only on Japan, China, or South Korea. While MOL won’t invest directly in Indian shipyards, it is open to ordering ships from them if they match global standards.

“If Indian shipyards deliver good quality on time, they can become a strong option when Chinese and Korean yards are full,” he said. MOL’s growing interest in India shows the country’s rising importance in global logistics and shipbuilding.