South Korea will introduce a government-led planned site system for offshore wind from 26 March, replacing the developer-led approach with integrated permitting and a new policy framework.
A Vietnamese worker was found dead at an HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard on 18 March, and police are investigating the circumstances of the case.
South Korea asked for tariff relief and policy backing for Hanwha’s Philly Shipyard as Seoul and Pennsylvania discussed permits, infrastructure, labor support, and wider shipbuilding growth.
South Korea is working to secure alternative naphtha supplies after Middle East export disruptions raised concern over ethylene availability and possible effects on steel plate cutting at shipyards.
South Korea has passed the Green Shipping Corridor Support Act, requiring a five-year master plan and support measures for low-emission shipping routes and port infrastructure.
South Korea’s Justice Ministry plans visa changes to attract more skilled foreign technicians to shipbuilding as yards face labor shortages and Ulsan’s regional visa pilot remains under review.
India is strengthening shipbuilding and maritime cooperation with South Korea, combining Korean technology and India’s cost-competitive workforce to expand its fleet and support its 2047 shipbuilding goals.
Korean shipbuilders are expanding AI-driven automation as welding robots and automated production lift productivity and shift workers toward monitoring and process control roles.
Vestas has received a 390 MW order for South Korea’s Shinan-Ui offshore wind development, supplying 26 V236-15.0 MW turbines and a 20-year service agreement, with deliveries from 2027.
