Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has acquired a 25% equity stake in V.Ships France SAS (VSF), a ship management company headquartered in Nantes, France, through its subsidiary, MOL Euro Energie SAS.

VSF has an established track record since 2001 in the crewing and operational management of LPG tankers, LNG Bunkering Vessels, and other vessels, including the provision of French officers and crew.

For MOL's vessels, VSF is currently managing two MOL Bunkering vessels (Gas Vitality & Gas Agility operated in Rotterdam and Marseille) and MOL has gained a high reputation from European oil and gas major customers.

Building on the existing relationship through the management of LNG Bunkering Vessels, MOL will newly appoint VSF as the ship manager for two LNG carriers to be delivered to INEOS in 2027.

MOL said through this additional mandate and equity participation, it intends to further deepen and strengthen its strategic partnership with VSF.

It added that VSF group's extensive expertise and experience will further bring significant benefits to MOL group's long-term growth.

MOL noted that by welcoming VSF — an experienced player in continental Europe and the French market — as a strategic partner into the MOL Group, and in combination with MOL Euro Energie SAS, a French shipping company established in 2025, it will further reinforce its regional strategy in continental Europe and accelerate the advancement of its decarbonization initiatives.