Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and ITOCHU Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together on the use of environmental attribute certificates (EACs) to support decarbonisation in the transport sector, the companies announced on 9 January.

Under the agreement, the two groups will cooperate on marketing, communications and commercial activity aimed at encouraging wider adoption of EACs by companies that use transport services. The scheme is intended to help customers address Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions associated with freight and travel.

As part of the partnership, MOL and ITOCHU have each carried out EAC transactions linked to their own transport activity. MOL acquired certificates linked to air transport from ITOCHU to cover emissions from employee air travel, while ITOCHU purchased certificates linked to maritime transport from MOL to reflect emissions from its sea-freight use.

The transactions were executed through a platform provided by 123Carbon, a Netherlands-based environmental technology company. The platform manages the issuance, transfer, storage, and retirement of EACs under what the companies describe as a robust audit framework designed to ensure traceability and transparency in accordance with global standards.

EACs are certificates that enable companies to document reductions in indirect greenhouse gas emissions across their supply chain activities.

Scope 3 emissions refer to indirect emissions arising from other companies' activities related to a firm's own operations, excluding emissions from purchased electricity, heat, and steam.

MOL said it will support the scheme through its use of lower-carbon marine fuels, while ITOCHU will draw on its adoption of sustainable aviation fuel. Together, the companies aim to create a structure that allows users of shipping and air transport to reflect emissions reductions within their Scope 3 reporting.

The collaboration forms part of MOL's BLUE ACTION NET-ZERO ALLIANCE, a carbon insetting and book and claim programme launched in February 2025. The programme is linked to the MOL Group's Environmental Vision 2.2, which identifies building business models that enable net zero emissions as a key action.

MOL President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto and ITOCHU President & COO Keita Ishii signed the memorandum of understanding.