Giant Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) is preparing for future challenges by adding 23 new shore employees.

Chief executive Takeshi Hashimoto welcomed the recruits with a speech in Toyko in which he outlined the changing nature of the group’s business.

“MOL Group is a traditional ocean shipping corporate group with a history of nearly 140 years, but in recent years we have been undergoing a period of major reforms from three perspectives," he said.