During his first press conference since taking office at the ministry's Busan headquarters, Hwang outlined key issues and plans for priority projects.
He assessed that simply relocating HMM is insufficient to complete the vision of 'Maritime Capital Busan.' He stressed the need for comprehensive measures to create living conditions for young people to prevent brain drain. Hwang highlighted that the government's focus on developing the Arctic route aims to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
"If the Arctic route opens, we can develop Busan into a logistics hub for Northeast Asia, creating numerous jobs," Hwang said. He emphasized the importance of proactively securing operational data and cargo in preparation for an era of regular Arctic route operations.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to conduct trial operations for the Arctic route around September. Currently, the shipping company Panstar is supporting these trial operations, and preparations for a formal agreement are underway.
Questions also arose regarding responses to the blockade of the Hormuz Strait due to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Hwang expressed caution about predicting the recovery of the international shipping route through Hormuz.
However, he noted, "If the blockade is lifted, there are options such as utilizing the coast of Oman. A vessel loaded with crude oil has already unloaded at Yanbu Port, and three more are en route to Korea. For the time being, we can bring in crude oil via the Red Sea."
Regarding the proposed tolls for passage through the Hormuz Strait, Hwang voiced his opposition, stating, "Tolls would violate international law. Ensuring free movement is a regulation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and an international agreement, so imposing tolls is inappropriate."
As of now, there are 158 South Korean crew members confirmed to be inside the Hormuz Strait. The ministry is maintaining regular communication with them to alleviate any inconveniences and is providing counseling to address mental stress.
Hwang projected that the 'roadmap for the relocation of public institutions under the ministry,' which was promised to be released in January, would gain momentum after the elections. The ministry, along with local governments and public institutions in Busan, is in discussions for the relocation, but the process is taking time as they review support measures.
Hwang stated, "I believe that with the emergence of new local leaders after the elections, we can gain more momentum. Coordination is also needed regarding the second phase of public institution relocations, but the ministry is committed to relocating its subordinate agencies even before the second phase begins."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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