Asia Pacific Trade Center Co., Ltd. (ATC), MOL, and MOL Sunflower Conclude Comprehensive Partnership Agreement

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Executive Officer, Shirotaro Tamura), MOL Sunflower Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Executive Officer, Hirotoshi Ushio), and Asia Pacific Trade Center Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suminoe-ku, Osaka; Representative Director and President, Shigeru Kimura) have concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement on June 8, 2026.

The agreement aims to leverage each party’s resources and networks to promote mutual collaboration, revitalize the Osaka Bay Area, enhance regional appeal, and contribute to its sustainable development.

Asia Pacific Trade Center Co., Ltd. (ATC) has set enhancing competitiveness as a multifunctional facility as a core policy in its mid-term management plan. This partnership represents a key initiative toward achieving that goal. By combining MOL Group’s expertise in maritime transport and logistics with ATC’s role as a hub for exchange and vibrancy in the bay area, the three parties aim to create new value in the Osaka Bay Area.

Notably, June 8—the date of the agreement—is recognized globally as World Oceans Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. This day emphasizes the importance of oceans and the connection between humanity and the sea, promoting awareness of marine conservation. The fact that three ocean-related entities have signed this agreement on World Oceans Day symbolizes a new beginning for the future of the Osaka Bay Area.

Moving forward, the three parties will deepen collaboration across diverse fields such as regional revitalization, tourism promotion, environmental education, and maritime cultural outreach, striving to further enhance the appeal and sustainable growth of the Osaka Bay Area, with the Sakishima district as a starting point.

Additionally, they will promote initiatives to create new opportunities for public engagement and address regional challenges by leveraging their respective strengths, contributing to the continued development of the Osaka Bay Area.

Areas of Collaboration

① Succession and utilization of legacy from Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

② Promotion of the appeal of the MOL Museum "Fune-shiru"

③ Promotion of MOL Sunflower’s services and improvement of convenience at the Sunflower Terminal (Osaka)

④ Mutual visitor promotion between events hosted by ATC and public exhibition venues

⑤ Increasing visitor numbers to Asia Pacific Trade Center (ATC)

⑥ Collaboration related to the Integrated Resort Osaka IR (including visitor attraction and cross-promotion among the three parties)

⑦ Other matters necessary to achieve the objectives outlined above, including coordination with each party’s strategic initiatives

Key Milestones in Past Collaboration

・2008: MOL Sunflower Ferry launched the Osaka-Beppu route from Cosmo Ferry Terminal, adjacent to the ATC building

・2016: MOL Sunflower Ferry launched the Osaka-Shibushi route from the same terminal

・Ceremony marking the launch of a new MOL Sunflower vessel held at the Harbor Atrium, 2nd floor of the ITM Building, ATC

・2025: MOL’s permanent museum "Fune-shiru" opened on the 2nd floor of the Harbor Atrium, ITM Building

The Cosmo Ferry Terminal was renamed "Sunflower Terminal (Osaka)" in October 2017, when MOL Sunflower Co., Ltd. acquired its naming rights.

Signatory Parties

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. 2-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

President and Executive Officer: Shirotaro Tamura

MOL Sunflower Co., Ltd. 1-18-13 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Akihabara Dai Building 11F

Representative Director, President and Executive Officer: Hirotoshi Ushio