MOL Invests in High-Tech Warehouses in Southeast Asia
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a well-known shipping company based in Tokyo, is expanding its business in Southeast Asia by investing in advanced warehouses. MOL is joining hands with CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), a large real estate company in Asia. Together, they are building modern, automated warehouses in countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. This project is part of MOL’s goal to develop “logistics infrastructure,” which refers to specialized buildings for storing and moving goods, helping companies get their products to customers faster.
What Are These Advanced Warehouses?
These new warehouses are known as the “OMEGA” model, which was designed by Ally Logistic Property Co., Ltd. (ALP) from Taiwan. This OMEGA warehouse model uses advanced technology to store and transport goods faster and more efficiently. These warehouses are fully automated, meaning machines do most of the work, such as moving goods around, storing items, and even loading and unloading trucks. The OMEGA warehouses have special ramps that allow trucks to reach multiple floors, making it easier for different companies to use the warehouse space. Inside, there are robotic systems like electric cranes and automated vehicles that help arrange goods in the best possible way.
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First Project: Omega 1 Bang Na in Thailand
The first of these OMEGA warehouses is being built in Bang Na, located in Bangkok, Thailand. This facility will include:
- Two regular warehouses and one special warehouse for frozen goods.
- A huge space covering about 200,000 square meters.
- An advanced storage system that can hold about 169,000 pallets (large storage units).
The full warehouse is expected to be finished by February 2027. This project will help serve companies in Thailand and nearby areas, making it easier for them to store and distribute goods.
Why MOL Is Investing in Warehouses
MOL is mainly known for its shipping services, moving goods by sea. However, MOL has a long-term plan called BLUE ACTION 2035. This plan aims to expand MOL’s business and help it earn steady profits even when shipping markets slow down. MOL’s investments in warehouses and other “logistics infrastructure” projects are a key part of this plan. By having warehouses in strategic places like Southeast Asia, MOL can serve more companies that need reliable and high-tech storage facilities.
These projects will also allow MOL to serve a wider range of customers, including those needing refrigerated storage for items like food and medicine. MOL’s Southeast Asia office, based in Singapore, is managing this new expansion.
MOL’s Partnership with CapitaLand and Other Companies
To carry out this project, MOL is working with CapitaLand Investment Limited, which has extensive experience in real estate. They are also partnering with Pruksa Holding Public Company Limited, a leading property developer in Thailand, and ALP, the creator of the OMEGA warehouse model. Together, they are pooling resources and knowledge to create a network of efficient warehouses across Southeast Asia. These warehouses are expected to meet the growing demand for fast, reliable, and large-scale storage solutions in the region.
Looking Ahead: MOL’s Plans for Growth
Apart from Thailand, MOL has other plans to expand its logistics infrastructure to other parts of Southeast Asia. This project is just the beginning of MOL’s commitment to growing its presence in this fast-growing market. By focusing on logistics infrastructure, MOL can continue to grow in new ways, moving beyond traditional shipping to support a global network of warehouses and storage facilities.
MOL believes these investments will make it a stronger and more flexible company, better able to handle the ups and downs of the global shipping industry. With high-tech warehouses like OMEGA 1 Bang Na in Thailand, MOL is set to make a big impact on the logistics industry in Southeast Asia.