South Korea Plans Green Shipping Route to Seattle and Tacoma, Targets Zero-Carbon Emissions

The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is planning to establish a green shipping route connecting the ports of Busan and Ulsan in South Korea to Seattle and Tacoma in the United States. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions in maritime transport by using zero-carbon fuel and environmentally friendly technology. The vessels for this route have been ordered for delivery between 2025 and 2026 from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and HJ Shipbuilding and Construction.

The European Union (EU) has introduced an Emissions Trading System for ships over 5,000 GT operating in ports in the region to reduce emissions. South Korean ships operating in EU waters will face environmental costs of over $500 million from this year to 2030. President Yoon Seok-yeol mentioned during the opening ceremony of Busan New Port Pier 7 that Busan will serve as the start and end point of this green shipping route.

The South Korean government has decided to develop the Busan-Seattle-Tacoma section as a route for methanol-powered container ships and the Ulsan-Masan-Seattle-Tacoma section for methanol-powered car carriers. They plan to form a consortium of shipping and bunker suppliers to provide clean fuels like green methanol and e-methanol for pilot operations in 2027. Seattle and Tacoma have merged to form the Northwest Seaport Alliance on the U.S. West Coast, making them effectively a single port for this green shipping initiative.

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