LBC Tank Terminals announced that Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. had officially become the 100 percent shareholder of LBC, following the successful completion of the acquisition on June 30, 2025. The transaction, which followed the companies’ announcement in March 2025, marked the beginning of a new chapter for LBC that would accelerate its growth journey and expand strategic horizons as part of MOL’s broader ambition to strengthen its position in chemical logistics and next-generation energy supply chains.
The acquisition positioned LBC to grow with greater scale and ambition, aligned with MOL Group’s BLUE ACTION 2035 management plan, which identified chemical logistics as a key pillar of long-term value creation. By combining MOL’s global marine transport network with LBC’s terminal infrastructure and extensive expertise in liquid bulk storage and handling, the group strengthened its capacity to deliver reliable, relevant, and sustainable solutions across the full value chain. Leveraging these complementary strengths opened opportunities to expand into adjacent markets, explore new service areas, and support the evolving needs of the energy and chemical sectors through meaningful collaboration and innovation.
MOL president & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto expressed excitement about welcoming LBC, one of the world’s largest tank terminal operators, to the MOL Group. He stated that together with LBC, the company would accelerate business reforms into a social infrastructure service provider to achieve its long-term Group Vision. Hashimoto saw great potential for both companies’ growth by combining MOL’s global reach with LBC’s expertise in tank terminal operations and creating new value for customers and society. He emphasised that together with LBC, MOL would expand the value-chain of the next-generation energy business, in addition to strengthening the chemical logistics business.
Frank Erkelens, LBC’s Group executive officer, looked forward to beginning the new chapter as part of the MOL Group and unlocking the full potential of their combined strengths. Guided by shared values, complementary expertise, and long-standing commitment to excellence, he saw great opportunities to make a meaningful impact, expand global presence, and support the evolving needs of next-generation energy and chemical industries. Erkelens believed the companies were uniquely positioned to deliver on their ambitions for growth, innovation, and a sustainable future.
The acquisition structure allowed LBC to continue operating as an independent company while working closely with MOL to identify impactful opportunities to expand into new service areas and product segments. The companies described the coming period as one of mutual learning and close collaboration, as they built foundations for long-term success within the MOL Group and strengthened LBC’s position as the trusted, connected partner delivering meaningful and sustainable storage solutions to customers worldwide.
The strategic acquisition represented MOL’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional shipping services into the broader logistics and energy infrastructure sectors, particularly as the industry evolved toward next-generation energy solutions and enhanced chemical logistics capabilities.
For more information www.mol.co.jp
