Coast Guard Headquarters Strengthens Chemical Accident Response... Infrastructure Development Including Construction of Large Chemical Defense Ships

The Korea Coast Guard announced on the 31st that it plans to focus on building equipment and infrastructure, such as constructing large chemical response vessels, and strengthening collaboration systems with related agencies to enhance its response capabilities to maritime chemical accidents.

Since maritime chemical accidents have a high potential to escalate to disaster levels, the Coast Guard has decided to concentrate on establishing response equipment and infrastructure to fundamentally block the occurrence and spread of such accidents.

First, by 2028, it plans to invest 72.1 billion KRW to build a 1,500-ton large chemical response vessel. This ship, which will be the largest chemical response vessel of the Coast Guard, is significantly larger than the currently operated 500-ton chemical response vessels in the Ulsan and Yeosu waters. The newly constructed chemical response vessel will be equipped with facilities to prevent external air inflow, emergency towing equipment, and chemical accident extinguishing agents.

Additionally, by the end of the year, it plans to expand its equipment and materials by 1,262 items across 11 categories, including thermal imaging cameras, air respirators, and chemical protective suits, operating a total of 31 categories and 26,828 items. Furthermore, it will establish an integrated marine environment crisis response system for predicting pollutant spread and damage, laying the foundation for early response in case of accidents.

A fire caused by an explosion broke out on a ship docked at Yeompo Pier in Dong-gu, Ulsan in 2019, with flames soaring high. 2019.9.28 [Image source=Yonhap News]

To enhance expertise in responding to maritime chemical accidents, the Coast Guard plans to develop eco-friendly ship fuel diffusion and damage prediction technologies, as well as leak detection sensors. It will also produce and distribute a "Maritime Chemical Accident Response Guide," containing information and response methods for various chemicals, to related agencies.

Moreover, it currently operates an external expert consultative body for rapid expert advice in the event of chemical accidents, and to strengthen international cooperation, it exchanges information and technology annually with neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Coast Guard supported a large-scale oil spill accident that occurred in Philippine waters in February last year with over 40 years of accumulated experience and excellent response technology.

Song Young-gu, Director of the Marine Pollution Response Bureau at the Korea Coast Guard, stated, "There have been 13 maritime chemical accidents in the past five years, with an average annual frequency of 2.6 cases, which is low. However, with the increase in vessels using gas fuel, accidents accompanied by fire and explosions can lead to national disasters from a single incident." He added, "We will strengthen proactive response policies and capabilities for maritime chemical accidents."

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