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Moves Stalled or Disabled Vehicles in Just 5 Minutes 1 July 2026
Until now, moving vehicles that could not travel under their own power required arranging a tow truck, and at ports where securing such resources was difficult, this could delay cargo handling for several hours. With the introduction of the "Skater," however, these vehicles can now be moved in about five minutes. This significantly reduces cargo-handling bottlenecks and departure delays, helping to strengthen the automobile transportation system. 
Cargo operation flow - before and after Skater. Image by MOL. 
Inside a car carrier. Image by MOL. 
The Skater installed and ready. Image by MOL.
Because vehicles are loaded and unloaded in a predetermined sequence, even a single vehicle that is temporarily unable to move under its own power - due to low fuel, a dead battery, or similar issues - can disrupt the loading and unloading operations of surrounding vehicles. This has presented an ongoing challenge, as bottlenecks in the overall cargo-handling process can lead to departure delays. Deploying a tow truck often results in long waits, and in some ports, it may be impossible. The "Skater" is a specialized device that is mounted directly onto the vehicle to assist with movement. It enables the swift resumption of loading and unloading operations without relying on external support, ensuring safe and reliable cargo handling at any port in the world. MOL will continue working to maintain a stable automobile transport system and ensure safe, high-quality transport services. (Note 1) The minimum clearance that must be maintained between the vehicle and the ship's interior structures Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. press release 
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