Gwangyang City Promotes 'Eco-friendly Energy-saving Equipment Distribution Project' for Fishermen

Expectations for Fuel Cost Reduction and Production Efficiency Improvement in Royal Fisheries

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Gwangyang City announced on the 26th that it is recruiting applicants for this year's eco-friendly energy-saving equipment distribution project to improve fishery management for fishing households, prevent marine accidents, and establish a stable fishing operation base.

The applicants must be fishermen who have received coastal fishery permits under Article 41 of the 「Fisheries Act」. Those who wish to apply must submit the required documents to the Steel Port and Marine Fisheries Team by the 28th of next month.

The supported items include eco-friendly energy-saving LED lights, fuel-saving devices, replacement of outdated engines, and equipment and facilities for the safety and welfare of fishing vessels.

The final project participants will be selected according to the project guidelines' priority, and only equipment with a joint purchase unit price contract signed by the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives can receive 60% of the cost support.

The Jeonnam Eastern Fisheries Cooperative Gwangyang Branch is responsible for carrying out the subsidy project, and after completing the project by the end of May, the city will conduct follow-up management for five years.

Jang Min-seok, head of the Steel Port Division, said, “The eco-friendly energy-saving equipment distribution project is expected to significantly reduce the economic burden on local fishermen by reducing operating costs, improving production efficiency, and cutting carbon emissions, thereby reducing marine pollution and helping improve fishery management.” He added, “We will do our best to secure national budget to enable more fishermen to receive support benefits in the future.”

Meanwhile, since 2013 until last year, Gwangyang City has supported about 108 vessels with eco-friendly energy-saving equipment worth approximately 476 million won, striving to reduce the economic burden on fishermen.