Mitsui OSK Lines to Open Strategic Office in Washington

Reflecting a shifting global landscape, Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), the world’s second-largest shipowner, has announced plans to establish a new office in Washington, DC.

“As global challenges continue to evolve—ranging from geopolitical uncertainties and stricter environmental regulations to increasingly intricate supply chains—strengthening cooperation with governments and international organizations has become more crucial than ever,” the company stated in a press release.

According to MOL, the Washington office will serve as a hub to engage with U.S. federal agencies, members of Congress, regulatory bodies, industry groups, international organizations, and embassies. The goal is to enhance the company’s participation in multilateral discussions and improve its strategic outreach.

The move comes as global shipping faces growing complexities, particularly since Donald Trump’s return to office on January 20. His administration has introduced new challenges for the maritime sector, including trade tariffs, additional fees on vessels built in China, distancing the U.S. from the International Maritime Organization, and controversial territorial assertions involving the Panama Canal and Greenland.