Mokpo City New Port Emerges as a Forward Base for Domestic Offshore Wind Industry
Investment Agreement Signed in Copenhagen, Denmark with Vestas, Maersk, and Jeollanam-do
The ambition of Mokpo City to become the center of the domestic eco-friendly energy industry through the promotion of the offshore wind power industry is becoming visible.
According to the city on the 23rd, Mayor Park Hong-ryul signed an investment agreement (MOA) on the 22nd in Copenhagen, Denmark, with Vestas Wind Systems A/S (hereinafter Vestas), A.P. Moller?Maersk A/S (hereinafter Maersk), and Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok to establish an offshore wind turbine factory at Mokpo New Port.
(On the right) Park Hong-ryul, Mayor of Mokpo City, signed an investment agreement with Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, and Vestas and Maersk in Denmark for the establishment of an offshore wind turbine factory at Mokpo New Port. [Photo by Mokpo City]
Until now, Vestas and Maersk have visited the Jeonnam region, including Mokpo New Port, several times to explore investment conditions such as available port facilities and the potential for industrial revitalization for new domestic offshore wind power projects, and ultimately chose Mokpo City.
Through this investment agreement, Vestas, the world’s No. 1 wind turbine manufacturer, and Maersk, a global integrated logistics company, will jointly invest 300 billion KRW to secure 200,000㎡ (approximately 60,000 pyeong) of the first-phase port hinterland complex at Mokpo New Port, build a factory capable of producing up to 150 units annually, and plan to proceed with investment aiming for mass production starting in 2027.
In addition, Vestas agreed to contribute to creating a local industrial ecosystem by organically cooperating with domestic offshore wind-related companies to localize core components, while Maersk agreed to strive to revitalize Mokpo New Port by generating new cargo volumes centered on offshore wind power.
Mayor Park Hong-ryul said, “I am very pleased that the world’s best offshore wind power company has confirmed its investment in Mokpo City,” adding, “This agreement is expected not only to enable Mokpo City to play a global offshore wind power hub role but also to be a major turning point for the development of the renewable energy industry in Jeollanam-do and, furthermore, the entire Republic of Korea.”
He continued, “We will do our best to prepare and provide generous support so that the Vestas turbine factory can settle well in the new port and create sustainable results,” emphasizing, “We will create a new history so that Mokpo New Port can stand tall as a mecca of offshore wind power through active exchange and cooperation in the future.”
(Center) Park Hong-ryul, Mayor of Mokpo City, is conversing with Musk Vincent Kluck, Global CEO, Tommy Ravek Nielsen, Global Chief Operating Officer of Vestas, and Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province. [Photo by Mokpo City]
Meanwhile, Mokpo New Port possesses the optimal location and facilities in Korea to successfully support the offshore wind power business, and Mokpo City is striving to expand dedicated offshore wind power infrastructure, build an integrated corporate support center, and designate a special zone for opportunity development to sustainably revitalize the industry.
Through these efforts, the city plans to present a future vision for the southwestern Jeonnam region, which has faced economic and industrial limitations, and to promote the influx of related companies, job creation, and population growth through the new offshore wind power industry.
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