Four North Koreans were caught trying to defect to South Korea in a malfunctioning boat. Intercepted after a tip-off, they cited severe economic hardship and pressure from work as reasons for their escape attempt. Following their arrest, authorities increased coastal surveillance and imposed silence to prevent public unrest.
In 2023, South Korea saw a 5.3% increase in maritime accidents, resulting in 164 deaths or missing persons. Collisions were the most common incidents, followed by safety issues, fires, capsizing, and sinking. The government vows to enhance safety measures to prevent future tragedies and protect those at sea, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.
The 20 Filipino crew members of a ship under investigation in South Korea for alleged cocaine smuggling will receive additional legal assistance from the DMW, Philippine embassy, and Migrant Workers office. Secretary Cacdac assures their well-being and legal defense while onboard the MV Lutina. Families are also being supported during the investigation.
According to the Maeil Business Newspaper, Jeju and North Gyeongsang are identified as the regions in South Korea with the highest incidence of maritime accidents in 2024. The increase in accidents calls for improved safety measures and cooperation among authorities to address the root causes and enhance maritime safety in these areas.
South Korea has launched a public-private training center to educate 1,000 professionals annually in areas like AI, environmentally friendly ships, and autonomous vessels. With a total investment of $4.77 million, the center aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in the maritime industry. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment to industry advancement.
Minister Kang Do-hyung vows to implement tougher safety regulations to prevent maritime accidents. Private sector groups, like the Korea Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, are also taking action to raise awareness and educate stakeholders. These efforts highlight the growing importance of improving safety standards in the maritime industry to protect lives and prevent future accidents.
Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) has started building six new gas carriers at the HD Hyundai Samho shipyard in South Korea. The vessels, including LNG and LPG/ammonia carriers, will be equipped with advanced technologies for efficiency and environmental sustainability. This investment highlights Nakilat’s commitment to meeting global gas transportation demands.
The South Korean government plans to invest 260 billion WON this year to enhance the competitiveness of the shipbuilding sector. Funds will be allocated for environmentally friendly ships, digital transformation, and autonomous ships. Research projects will focus on wind-supported drive devices, electric ships, and ammonia-driven vessels. This investment aims to strengthen the industry and promote innovation.
Amogy, a provider of ammonia-to-power solutions, has expanded into South Korea by opening an office in Pangyo Techno Valley. This strategic move brings Amogy closer to established investors and partners in the region, including SK Innovation, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha. South Korea’s early adoption of clean tech influenced Amogy’s decision to establish a local presence.
The South Korean government is investing 222.3 billion KrW ($150 million) to support the construction of 81 environmentally friendly ships. Companies can receive subsidies of up to 30 percent for building eco-friendly vessels, promoting sustainability in the maritime industry. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change on a global scale.
A high-level delegation from Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd. of South Korea, led by Senior Vice President Jin Su Lee, recently visited India to explore collaboration opportunities in the shipbuilding industry. Both nations are interested in working together to strengthen their positions, with India aiming to be among the world’s top 10 shipbuilders by 2030.
Due to limited shipbuilding space in South Korea and high global demand for new ships, Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd. is considering partnerships with Indian shipyards for investment and collaboration. The company needs to offload some orders to meet global demand. India aims to boost its shipbuilding industry with policies supporting growth and green technologies.
An Indian delegation led by Secretary T.K. Ramachandran of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways recently visited South Korea’s main shipyards to explore collaboration opportunities. India aims to strengthen its presence in the international shipbuilding industry and plans to add 1,000 commercial ships to its fleet over the next ten years.
South Korean authorities are intensifying their search efforts for 12 missing crew members after a fishing vessel sank near Jeju Island. The Jeju Coast Guard deployed 47 ships and five aircraft for the search operation. Tragically, two crew members were found dead, while 10 South Korean and two Indonesian crew members remain missing.
The CEEC denied the company’s request to resume work at the Geoje shipyard due to a lack of safety measures post-accident. The review committee found necessary precautions absent after almost two weeks. Hanwha Ocean shipyard had the highest number of reported deaths in South Korea. Implementing strict safety measures is crucial to prevent tragic incidents.
