The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) held the 'International Shipbuilding and Marine Export Consultation Conference (SGEMP 2026)' on September 17 at the Changwon Convention Center (CECO) to support the expansion of exports in the shipbuilding and shipping sectors, which are key industries in the Southeast region.
This event was jointly organized with Gyeongsangnam-do and seven cities and counties in the province, in line with the regional growth engine policy announced by the government last month. Forty overseas buyers from 12 countries, including Gumi, ASEAN, and China, participated alongside 42 local shipbuilding and marine equipment manufacturers to engage in one-on-one business-to-business (B2B) consultations.
Participating companies conducted over 300 consultations. Overseas buyers expressed significant interest in eco-friendly fuel supply systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels, dual-fuel engine components, smart equipment based on digital twin technology, and materials for ship repair and modification (MRO). They also participated in the 'Smart & Green Energy Shipbuilding and Marine Conference' held over two days starting September 16 to expand their global networks.
With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightening environmental regulations, the demand for new eco-friendly and smart vessels, as well as the repair and modification of existing ships, is increasing, leading to expanded export opportunities for Korean shipbuilding materials.
As of 2021, Gyeongsangnam-do accounted for 46.3% of domestic shipbuilding production, making it the largest shipbuilding and marine cluster in the country, with a recent trend of strong orders for high-value vessels.
Kim Kwan-mook, KOTRA's Vice President and Head of the Economic Security and Trade Cooperation Division, stated, "As the global shipbuilding and marine industry transitions to eco-friendly and smart technologies, there is a growing demand for collaboration with overseas companies on Korean shipbuilding materials. We will do our best to enhance export performance in strategic industries by collaborating with local governments and specialized institutions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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