- Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries provides training for developing states on greenhouse

gas reduction between Jan 24 (Mon) ~ 28 (Fri) -

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister MOON, Seong-Hyeok) joins hands with the International Maritime Organization (IMO, Secretary General Kitack Lim) to host a 5-day online ‘Global Capacity Building Training Program for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gases’ from January 24^th to the 28^th.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently adopted the ‘Initial IMO GHG Strategy’ with the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 2050 to 50% of 2008 emission levels. To this end, IMO has implemented energy efficiency regulations on newly built and existing ships, while preparing to introduce various new measures, such as a carbon tax and emission trading system. However, developing countries or small island developing states face challenges in implementing these international regulations due to poor technological or policy capacity.

Therefore, in consideration of Korea’s status as a shipping nation with the fourth largest fleet in the world along with its world-class shipbuilding capacity, number one in terms of order volume, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has proposed holding a capacity building training program on maritime greenhouse gas reduction strategies and policies for developing countries or small island developing states to the IMO to fulfill its responsibility as a Category (a) state on the IMO Council and to contribute to global efforts in realizing carbon neutrality.

A total of 28 executive-level public officials from 15 nations^* expressed their interest in the event since the Ministry started recruiting participants in October 2021, and the 1^st virtual training is to take place from the 24^th to 28^th of January. The training program will cover a variety of topics, including the △ development of national action plans and national impact assessment methods, △ alternative fuels and energy to decarbonize the shipping sector, and △ climate finance. By using a metaverse platform, participants will also be able to freely share knowledge and exchange ideas.

* Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Comoros, Dominica, Jamaica, Liberia, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu

Three more sessions are planned for the global capacity building training program through 2024. Once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, participants from each nation are to be invited to Korea for face-to-face training. Site visits are also planned to shipping, shipbuilding, and port industrial sites, where participants can learn about the preparations and strategies of companies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from the opportunity to benchmark such practices.

Director General Myeong Noh-Heon, Head of the Maritime Affairs and Safety Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries explained, “In line with the global movement towards carbon reductions, the international maritime sector is also working to reduce the 2008 carbon emission level by 50% or more before 2050. However, preparing for such reduction measures may be a challenge for developing countries or small island developing states. Therefore, active support is required from leading nations in the international maritime sector, including Korea.” He also highlighted, “through this global training program, Korea will contribute to decarbonization in the international maritime sector as a global leader in shipping and shipbuilding and will continue to enhance international collaboration in the fight against climate change.”