Seoul: South Korea will support the transition of 889 private and public vessels to eco-friendly models by 2035 as part of its ongoing effort to curb carbon emissions and strengthen the competitiveness of related industries, the government said Thursday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the oceans ministry have introduced the second basic plan for the development and deployment of eco-friendly vessels for the 2026-2035 period. This initiative focuses on fostering a green shipping and shipbuilding ecosystem.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the government will concentrate on supporting small and medium-sized shipbuilders and marine equipment suppliers in areas such as eco-friendly vessel design and equipment testing. South Korea is also aiming to expand domestic production of eco-friendly vessels through strategic cooperation between the shipbuilding and shipping industries.

Through these efforts, South Korea aims to capture 50 percent of the global market for zero-carbon vessels by 2035. "By smoothly implementing the basic plan for eco-friendly vessels, we aim to secure an early lead in the global eco-friendly vessel market and create new business opportunities for South Korea's shipbuilding ecosystem," a senior industry ministry official stated.