Opening of a Platform for Cooperation with Global Maritime Experts

- MOF to discuss mid-term measures to reduce greenhouse gases from vessels, trends related to autonomous ships, etc., at the 21st International Maritime Council meeting

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that it would be holding the 21st International Maritime Council meeting in Cheonan from Thursday, May 8 to Friday, May 9.

 As a gathering of experts from governments, related organizations, industry, and academe who participate in discussions on the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s safety and environment-related agendas, the International Maritime Council meeting has been held every year since 2015. Approximately 80 experts will attend the 21st Council meeting to share information on the latest IMO agenda items and discuss ways to collaborate.

 The upcoming Council meeting will address key agendas such as ▲mid-term measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vessels—which were approved at the 83rd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee* on April 11—and ▲development trend of the non-mandatory code for autonomous vessels, and discuss Korea’s response strategy for related agenda items at future IMO meetings.

 * In order to reduce greenhouse gases emitted from ships, IMO is implementing long-term measures to achieve its carbon neutrality goal by 2050 such as limiting carbon emissions from ships and switching to alternative fuels (ammonia, etc.). From 2027, international voyage ships with gross tonnage of 5,000 tons or more will be required to comply with enhanced greenhouse gas intensity standards for ship fuel oil.

 Korea is also strengthening its international cooperation foundation by discussing mutual cooperation measures with the UK’s Department for Transport through the 1st Korea-UK Maritime Safety Policy Meeting held on Tuesday, April 29 regarding implementing mid-term measures and autonomous vessel technology.

 “This International Maritime Council meeting will be an important opportunity to establish Korea’s strategic response direction at a critical time when discussions on decarbonization and digital transformation are accelerating, centered on the IMO. The government and international maritime experts will work closely together to secure the competitiveness of Korea’s maritime industry,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.