The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will initiate trial operations of the Arctic shipping route from Busan to Europe in the second half of the year. The plan aims to develop Busan and Ulsan ports into key logistics hubs for Arctic shipping, alongside relocating the ministry's headquarters to Busan and moving shipping companies' headquarters to foster the southeastern region as a 'maritime capital.'
During a report on the second half of the year held at the Blue House on July 16, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the theme 'National Land Transformation Starting from the Sea,' highlighting key initiatives such as the Arctic route trials, seafood price management, development of the maritime capital region, and the transition to marine and fisheries artificial intelligence (AI).
The primary focus for the second half of the year is the development of the Arctic route. The ministry plans to conduct round-trip trials from Busan to Europe over a 40 to 45-day schedule in August and September. This trial will provide operational experience and logistics data, laying the groundwork for establishing a regular express service connecting Korea and Europe.
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo stated in a pre-briefing for the report that 'Penstar was selected as the trial operator in May, and a 2,700 TEU vessel has been confirmed.' He added, 'We expect to receive the vessel in early August and have secured cargo demand of about 1,300 TEU.'
To ensure safety during Arctic route operations, the ministry will prioritize experienced crew members and is discussing the inclusion of experts with polar navigation experience. Plans are also underway to secure stable communication networks in high-latitude areas through low-orbit satellites and Starlink.
The roles of Busan and Ulsan ports will be expanded to support the Arctic route. Busan will focus on container shipping, while Ulsan will serve as a center for energy logistics, establishing the necessary infrastructure for Arctic shipping. The ministry will also promote the training of polar navigators, develop key technologies for domestically produced icebreaking container ships, and establish a comprehensive support center for the Arctic route.
To foster the maritime capital region in the southeastern area, the ministry plans to select a site for a new Busan headquarters in August and create a 'Scale-Up Fund' worth 100 billion won to attract marine and fisheries companies. A policy council involving central and local governments, as well as regional economic sectors, will also be established.
In the first half of the year, four shipping companies, including HMM, relocated their headquarters to Busan. The ministry aims to develop a maritime cluster in the redeveloped North Port area, integrating administrative, financial, educational, and industrial functions.
Stabilizing seafood prices is also a major task for the second half of the year. The ministry plans to diversify import sources for mackerel by dispatching special envoys to secure overseas supplies and reducing tariff quotas. For key items like hairtail, squid, and seaweed, temporary regulatory relaxations, expanded fishing and aquaculture licenses, government stock releases, and discount events will be implemented.
To enhance the competitiveness of the seaweed industry for exports, the ministry will pursue the establishment of international standards for seaweed specifications and unify the export name for domestic seaweed as 'GIM' to strengthen its identity. Promising items like oysters and abalone will be developed as candidates for 'the second GIM.'
In support of island and coastal residents, the ministry is preparing for a public ferry system set to launch in January 2027 and will designate alternative vessels for 99 coastal ferry routes to minimize service gaps. The 'Fishing Bus,' which provides essential services such as medical, beauty, and bathing, will operate at up to 200 locations.
To enhance maritime safety, the ministry has mandated the wearing of life jackets for all fishing crew members since July 1 and will expand on-site guidance and inspections. The 'solo fishing vessels,' numbering around 30,000, will be managed using AI accident pattern analysis and emergency request systems.
In response to illegal fishing by Chinese vessels, the ministry will utilize modified decommissioned vessels and artificial structures for the removal of illegal fishing gear. Minister Hwang noted, 'The Fisheries Resources Agency has purchased an 80-ton trap fishing vessel for modification, which will be deployed in the NLL border area in the second half of the year,' adding that plans are in place to increase this to one more vessel next year and expand the installation of artificial structures.
Risk management in the Middle East will continue, with the ministry supporting the safe departure of two remaining vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and establishing an AI maritime supply chain early warning system to prepare for similar situations. The number of essential national vessels will also be gradually increased from the current 88.
To attract more youth to the maritime industry, the ministry will establish contract-based academic programs with major companies and support wage differences for national youth mariners compared to foreign crew members. In the fisheries sector, five 'Youth Marine Villages' will be created to support housing, jobs, and community integration, along with the establishment of a future youth enterprise fund.
Minister Hwang stated, 'The first half of this year has laid the foundation for a major transformation and leap in the marine and fisheries sector. From the second half, we will actively implement the tasks outlined in the report to innovate coastal and marine areas and advance toward becoming a leading maritime nation.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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