'Reopening Gunsan Shipyard' Prime Minister Han: "Increase High Value-Added Ship Market Share to 75%"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated on the 28th regarding the restart of Hyundai Heavy Industries Gunsan Shipyard, "We will spare no support to help Gunsan leap forward as an 'eco-friendly shipbuilding industry hub' in connection with Saemangeum."

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the restart held at the Gunsan Shipyard that day, Prime Minister Han said, "The restart of the Gunsan Shipyard is very meaningful. We will be able to further increase our global market share of high value-added, eco-friendly ships that we dominate."

Hyundai Heavy Industries Gunsan Shipyard had suspended operations in July 2017 due to the shipbuilding industry downturn but recently resumed production of ship blocks.

Prime Minister Han mentioned that the halt of the Gunsan Shipyard, which accounted for 12% of manufacturing in Jeonbuk and 24% of Gunsan's industry, caused economic difficulties in Gunsan, and expressed hope that "the restart will revive the economies of Jeonbuk and Gunsan."

He added, "The government will prepare a 'Shipbuilding Industry Super-gap Securing Strategy' and promote multifaceted support," emphasizing, "We will maintain the super-gap in liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships through localization of core technologies and secure leadership in future carbon-free ships by promoting technological innovation and commercialization."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He explained, "We aim to raise the market share of high value-added ships, currently at 64%, to around 75% by 2030," and "We will promote digital transformation of production processes and strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium shipbuilders and equipment suppliers through support in research and development (R&D), finance, and logistics." Additionally, he added, "We will resolve the shortage of manpower on site through expanded special extended work hours and increase the real wages of workers."

About 100 people, including Prime Minister Han, Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young, National Assembly member Shin Young-dae, and government officials, attended the Gunsan Shipyard restart proclamation ceremony that day. The shipyard held a steel cutting ceremony, symbolizing the start of shipbuilding.