South Korea plans to support the transition of 889 private and public vessels to eco-friendly models by 2035 under a new 10-year programme for the shipping and shipbuilding sectors.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has unveiled the second basic plan for the development and deployment of eco-friendly vessels, covering the 2026-2035 period.
The programme will support eco-friendly vessel design and equipment testing, with measures aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized shipbuilders and marine equipment companies. It will also promote domestic construction of eco-friendly ships through cooperation between the shipbuilding and shipping industries.
The plan focuses on five areas: research and development of lower-carbon ships, commercialisation of new technology, expansion of green-fuel infrastructure, wider deployment of eco-friendly vessels, and development of a green shipping and shipbuilding ecosystem.
The programme is being implemented alongside legislation supporting the establishment of green shipping corridors, which is scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2027.
Draft subordinate legislation sets out operating standards for green shipping routes. It includes fuel requirements for green ships using the routes and requirements for ports supplying eco-friendly fuel.
The draft also defines procedures and criteria for preparing a master plan and designating green shipping routes.
A senior official at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said the second basic plan is intended to strengthen South Korea’s position in the global eco-friendly vessel market and create work opportunities for the domestic shipbuilding sector.
Separately, an official at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the existing eco-friendly ships policy supports vessel development and wider adoption of green technology, while the new legislation will extend decarbonisation measures across shipping operations. The ministry also plans to use the two policies to support the development of a maritime decarbonisation ecosystem.
