Sejong University Hosts Seminar on Arctic Route Development... "Contributing to National Economy"

Sejong University announced on the 12th that it jointly held a future strategy seminar on the 8th at the Daeyang AI Center of Sejong University with the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation and the Sejong Research Institute, under the theme of ‘K-AR (Arctic Route) Pioneering the Arctic Route.’

At the seminar, discussions were held based on concrete research results regarding the pioneering of the Arctic route and its expected effects as a future strategy for Korea.

First, Ju Myung-geon, Honorary Chairman of Sejong University, stated, “In the era of global warming, pioneering the Arctic route will shorten transportation distance by 28%, greatly contributing to Korea’s economic development,” adding, “Korea’s trade dependence is 75%, ranking second in the world, and 99% of export cargo relies entirely on maritime transport. We must play a leading role in reorganizing the world order by pioneering the Arctic route with innovative technology.”

Specifically, Honorary Chairman Ju proposed △ pioneering the Arctic route passing through the North Pole and utilizing international waters △ pioneering the Arctic route operable 365 days a year with an icebreaker fleet △ increasing national wealth through collection of Arctic route usage fees. He emphasized, “The revenue from the Suez Canal in 2022 was 10 trillion won,” and “Even receiving 50% of the transportation cost savings would greatly benefit national wealth.”

The keynote presentations were conducted in three parts. Professor Kim Se-won of the Department of Intelligent Mechanical Engineering at Sejong University explained the inevitability of pioneering a new Arctic route due to decarbonization and the necessity of introducing autonomous ships under the theme ‘Analysis of Autonomous Ship Application on the Arctic Route.’ He particularly stressed the urgent need for technological development of large icebreakers.

Next, Professor Han Seung-oh of the Department of Business Administration at Sejong University presented ‘Economic Analysis of Arctic Route Navigation,’ highlighting the economic advantages and current limitations of the Arctic route. This was the first domestic economic evaluation study on the Arctic route. He proposed a direction for Arctic policy that can improve economic feasibility and efficiency compared to the existing Northwest Passage passing through Russian coastal waters.

Professor Park Chang-je of the Department of Quantum Nuclear Engineering at Sejong University proposed a propulsion strategy for large-capacity icebreakers with improved safety and economic efficiency under the theme ‘Necessity and Prospects of Nuclear Propulsion Technology Development for Arctic Route Development.’ The core is the introduction of small modular reactor technology into existing nuclear icebreaker technology.

The panel discussion was moderated by Professor Park and included Choi Joong-hyo, Senior Researcher at Hanwha Ocean, Kim Min-su, Head of the Economic Strategy Research Division at the Korea Maritime Institute, Professor Kim Se-won, and Professor Han Seung-oh. Senior Researcher Choi explained the icebreaking function of large commercial vessels as part of pioneering the new Arctic route. He also emphasized the need for icebreaker operation strategies considering freezing characteristics when pioneering the Arctic route. Director Kim stated, “Both safety and economic feasibility must be considered when pioneering the Arctic route. Strategic international cooperation is necessary so that Korea’s status as an Arctic observer country can be elevated.”

Sejong University President Bae Deok-hyo said, “Our university has produced many excellent research results, but research outcomes that can serve as game changers to change the world are needed,” adding, “I hope this seminar will be a meaningful opportunity for Sejong University to play the role of a future game changer.”

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