Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and ITOCHU Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing Scope 3 emissions through the use of Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs), with a particular focus on low-carbon fuels across transport modes.
The partnership targets Scope 3 emissions, which typically account for the largest share of corporate carbon footprints but are difficult to manage due to complex and fragmented supply chains. By combining shipping and aviation, the companies aim to offer transport users a practical mechanism to address indirect emissions linked to freight and business travel.
As part of the initiative, MOL will leverage low-carbon marine fuels within its shipping operations, enabling the issuance of maritime EACs tied to reduced greenhouse gas intensity. ITOCHU, meanwhile, will draw on its experience in sustainable aviation fuel to support similar reductions in air transport.
These certificates can then be used by transport service users to account for Scope 3 emission reductions under book-and-claim principles.
The companies have already completed a reciprocal EAC transaction, executed via the 123Carbon platform, under which MOL acquired aviation-related EACs while ITOCHU purchased maritime EACs linked to sea freight.
Both firms said scaling the use of low-carbon fuels, supported by credible certification and traceability, will be critical to enabling wider Scope 3 decarbonisation across global transport supply chains
