[New Year's Address] Moon Sung-hyuk, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, "Enhancing Shipping and Port Competitiveness... Focus on Carbon Neutrality"

"Realizing a Leading Maritime Nation with Competence and Dignity"

Moon Sung-hyuk, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, is being interviewed at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in the Government Sejong Complex on the 25th. / Sejong - Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Moon Seong-hyeok, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, announced that next year he will work to enhance the international competitiveness of the shipping and port industries and proactively establish advanced port infrastructure. He also plans to focus on carbon neutrality in the marine sector through the eco-friendly transition of private vessels and tidal flat restoration.

In his New Year's address on the 31st, Minister Moon stated, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has set 'Realizing a maritime leading nation with capability and dignity' as its vision for 2022, and will continue a vigorous voyage that brings hope and happiness to the people."

He emphasized, "To expand the national fleet and activate ship investment by supporting new shipbuilding and management innovation of shipping companies, we will introduce the 'Ship Tax Lease System.' We will also expand support for the port service industry, including the establishment of comprehensive port service businesses, ship supplies, and ship repairs."

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will actively promote the expansion of future-oriented port infrastructure, such as building a fully automated port based on domestic technology at Gwangyang Port and developing Busan Port Jinhae New Port into a Korean-style smart mega port.

Efforts will also be made to prevent the disappearance of fishing villages and revitalize the coastal economy. He said, "We will support young fishermen with vessel leasing, improve the fishing license system, and implement vacant house remodeling projects. The Fishing Village New Deal 300 project will complete more than 50% of all project sites, and a new 'Post-Fishing Village New Deal Pilot Project' will be launched to attract population inflow to fishing villages."

Carbon neutrality in the marine sector will also be actively pursued. Minister Moon stressed, "To achieve the 2050 marine and fisheries carbon emission negative goal, we will strengthen support for the eco-friendly transition of not only government vessels but also private ships, actively promote carbon emission reduction within ports, and establish a hydrogen ecosystem. We will expand marine carbon sinks through tidal flat restoration and new blue carbon discoveries such as continental shelves, and will also begin full-scale development of marine energy like tidal and wave power and marine green hydrogen technology."

Additionally, the ministry plans to expand the distribution of eco-friendly buoys, implement a real-name system for fishing gear, complete six purification transport vessels, develop a fishing village resource circulation model, and lead international discussions by co-hosting the 'International Marine Debris Conference' with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

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