Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) has entered into an agreement with marine energy developer Bombora to identify wave energy potential in Japan, with the partnership looking to identify potential sites for both mWave energy projects and combined wind and mWave energy projects in the country and the neighbouring regions.
The firms are progressing to the second phase of their collaboration following the completion of a detailed internal technology review of Bombora’s mWave wave energy converter by MOL.
Global marine transport group MOL operates one of the world’s largest merchant fleets and is dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of its business activities and reducing its carbon footprint. The rapidly growing marine renewable energy sector represents a new opportunity for MOL, and it is anticipating significant demand for vessels involved in the construction and ongoing operations across the marine energy sector. The collaborative project with Bombora is an example of MOL’s ambition to mitigate its environmental impact whilst driving new and sustainable business growth opportunities across the region.
MOL will bring its expertise in maritime consultation, offshore marine operations, and regional industry supply chain knowledge to the joint study. This will match Bombora’s mWave™ technology and project development experience to form a strong working partnership.
“We are very pleased to be conducting this strategic site identification project with MOL,” said Bombora’s Development Manager for the Asia Pacific region, Mr Ryota Yamada. “The study will seek out opportunities suitable for wave, as well as hybrid wave and wind projects. MOL has a clear ambition to expand its sustainable marine operations into the energy sector and are a significant collaboration partner for Bombora on this pathfinder wave energy initiative in Japan. We know that there is excellent wave resource to be found around this coastline. Having a partner with the expertise of MOL alongside us will help progress projects in this region.”