Busan Secures IHO Infrastructure Center... "Stepping Up as a Leader in Maritime Information Standards"

Busan City has succeeded in attracting a key organization that manages international standards for global maritime information. This move effectively lays the foundation for Busan's leap as a leading global maritime city.

Busan City (Mayor Park Hyungjoon) announced on the 24th that the establishment of the 'IHO Infrastructure Center' in Busan was finally approved at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Assembly. The assembly took place from April 19 to April 23.

The IHO is an intergovernmental organization established in Monaco in 1921, responsible for managing international standards for nautical charts and hydrographic surveys to ensure the safety of vessel navigation. This is the first time that an IHO organization other than its Secretariat will be located in a different country.

Busan City has been working in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency to attract the center. After Korea was selected as the host in 2024, the proposal passed the IHO Council’s approval in 2025 and has now been finalized at this assembly.

The Infrastructure Center is a technical organization that supports the development and dissemination of digital maritime information standards (S-100), responding to the evolving maritime environment such as autonomous ships. Once established in Busan, it is expected to spur industrial clustering and expand international cooperation in sectors related to maritime information, navigation equipment, and autonomous navigation.

The city is currently preparing office space at the Busan International Financial Center (BIFC), aiming to begin operations in the second half of this year. The center will start with around 10 staff members and carry out tasks such as supporting standard development, education, and approval of electronic chart equipment.

Both national and municipal budgets will be invested in operating the Infrastructure Center. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will provide annual operational expenses, while the city will be responsible for establishing and managing the facilities.

Busan City expects that attracting the center will lead to international conferences, educational programs, and the attraction of related companies, generating positive ripple effects for the local economy.

Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "The establishment of the IHO Infrastructure Center in Busan is a critical turning point for the city to become a leader in global maritime information standards," and added, "We will continue to support stable operations and drive achievements linked with the maritime digital industry."

Busan City Hall.

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