Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), a prominent name in global shipping and logistics, has unveiled significant new ventures in Southeast Asia aimed at strengthening its foothold in the region’s logistics infrastructure. Through its subsidiary, MOL (Asia Oceania) Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore, MOL is partnering with CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), the real estate arm of the CapitaLand Group, to develop a series of multi-tenant, automated warehouses designed to meet evolving market demands.
The initiative, supported by CLI’s CapitaLand SEA Logistics Fund (CSLF), is more than a mere expansion—it’s a strategic move designed to harness the increasing demand for efficient and technologically advanced logistics solutions in markets like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Joining MOL and CLI in this venture are Pruksa Holding Public Company Limited, a top-tier real estate developer in Thailand, and Ally Logistic Property Co., Ltd. (ALP), a noted warehouse developer from Taiwan.
Central to this development is ALP’s “OMEGA” warehouse model, a forward-thinking design that epitomizes state-of-the-art storage solutions. These facilities are characterized by multi-story ramp-type handling areas that facilitate seamless truck access to upper levels for loading and unloading, while a vaulted ceiling houses an automated storage system supported by electric cranes and guided vehicles. The modular nature of these facilities allows for tailored expansion or contraction of storage, adapting to client needs with remarkable agility.
Construction is already underway for the first of these projects, the OMEGA 1 Bang Na Thailand Warehouse, located in Samut Prakan, Bangkok. This facility will span approximately 200,000 square meters and boast a storage capacity of around 169,000 automated pallets. The ambitious project, comprising two ambient warehouses and one for refrigerated and frozen goods, is projected to be completed by February 2027.
MOL’s broader strategy, under its BLUE ACTION 2035 management plan, reflects a keen effort to diversify and reinforce its business portfolio beyond traditional shipping. This approach is intended to insulate the company from the cyclical downturns of the maritime industry while nurturing a stable revenue stream. By aligning with regional strengths and leveraging advanced technology, MOL is actively positioning itself as a key player not just in logistics, but in the future of how goods are managed and stored across Southeast Asia.
Moreover, in conjunction with these efforts, MOL’s subsidiary Daibiru Corporation is investing in the development of a business park in Chennai, India, through another CLI-led fund. This expansion signals MOL’s ambition to deepen relationships across multiple asset types and regions, illustrating its comprehensive approach to growth.
These projects mark a concerted step toward enhancing MOL’s logistics capabilities while providing adaptable and modern solutions for businesses in Southeast Asia. By integrating cutting-edge technology with strategic partnerships, MOL is poised to capture significant market share and set a benchmark for efficient logistics infrastructure.
