Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Operate 'Eco-friendly Government Vessel Conversion Technical Advisory Group' Starting Next Month

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 30th that it will form an 'Eco-friendly Government Vessel Conversion Technical Advisory Group' and begin full-scale operation from April to resolve difficulties faced by the government and local governments in converting government vessels to eco-friendly ships.

With the enforcement of the 'Act on the Development and Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Ships' starting January 1 this year, government and local governments are required to purchase eco-friendly ships when newly building government vessels. However, most institutions lack the technology or experience related to eco-friendly ships, causing difficulties in the conversion process.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will operate the technical advisory group to support smooth conversion of public sector government vessels to eco-friendly ships based on accumulated technology and experience regarding eco-friendly ships.

This is part of the 'Detailed Implementation Plan for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' Eco-friendly Government Vessel Conversion' announced on February 7 this year. Previously, in October last year, the Ministry established and announced the '2030 Eco-friendly Government Vessel Conversion Plan,' aiming to proactively respond to strengthened domestic and international marine environmental regulations and reduce fine dust generated from ships and ports by converting all 140 affiliated government vessels to eco-friendly ships by 2030. Subsequently, a detailed implementation plan was prepared in February this year.

The Eco-friendly Government Vessel Conversion Technical Advisory Group is composed of the Director of the Maritime Industry Technology Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries as the 'Advisory Group Leader,' and experts in various fields such as hull, engine, and design, organized into 'five technical subcommittees.'

Through the advisory group, the Ministry plans to support the government and local governments in establishing plans for replacing eco-friendly ships, provide conversion guidelines and standard designs, and offer customized technical advice for each institution's eco-friendly ship conversion. Government and local governments wishing to receive technical advice can submit an advisory application form to the Maritime Industry Technology Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries via official documents.

Kim Min-jong, Director of the Maritime Safety Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "We expect that the operation of the technical advisory group will facilitate the introduction of eco-friendly ships in the public sector," adding, "Starting with the public sector, we hope the adoption of eco-friendly ships will gradually expand to the private sector, positioning South Korea as a leading country in the global eco-friendly ship market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.