569 Korean-Flagged International Vessels Adopt High-Speed Internet with Support from Seafarers' Welfare Fund Foundation

3,193 International Merchant Seafarers Benefit from Welfare Improvements

General International Vessels Lead with 54% Installation Rate

More than half of the ships owned by Korean-flagged international shipping companies have adopted onboard high-speed internet, significantly improving communication environments for seafarers.

The Seafarers' Welfare Fund Foundation announced on May 19 that 569 vessels owned by such companies have either completed or are in the process of installing onboard high-speed internet.

As a result, approximately 3,193 Korean seafarers currently working on international merchant ships—about 50% of the total—are now benefiting from improved communication welfare. Since this year, the foundation has focused on supporting improvements in shipboard communication environments as a key initiative, aiming to alleviate the psychological isolation caused by long-term assignments and to facilitate smooth communication with families and society.

The support targets vessels that are designated as nationally essential or specified international ships and have installed low-earth orbit satellite internet service terminals. The foundation subsidizes part of the monthly service fees.

The survey found that the highest adoption rate of high-speed internet was among general international vessels. Of the ships with completed installations, 309 (54%) were general international vessels, a higher proportion than nationally essential ships (15%) or specified international ships (31%).

The foundation’s support is limited to nationally essential and specified international vessels. However, as shipping companies have also introduced high-speed internet facilities on general international vessels, the communication environment for seafarers on these ships has also improved positively.

Lee Seungwoo, Chairman of the Seafarers' Welfare Fund Foundation, stated, "Thanks to the support of the foundation, the communication environment for international merchant seafarers has been greatly improved," adding, "We will continue to expand digital support to further enhance seafarer welfare."

Meanwhile, the Seafarers' Welfare Fund Foundation is a public interest foundation established in 2024 to promote seafarers' welfare and employment stability. It is operated with voluntary contributions from Korean-flagged international shipping companies affiliated with the Korea Shipowners' Association. The foundation carries out various public interest projects, including support for onboard high-speed internet, long-term assignment support, support for Ocean Polytech trainees, and provision of equipment for maritime telemedicine services.

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