Ministry of Industry Approves 44 Demonstration Exemptions
LPG Bulk Lorry Vehicle Refueling
Eco-friendly LPG Ships Also Approved
Pets can now receive non-face-to-face health care. Environmentally friendly LPG ships charged by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bulk lorry vehicles have also begun demonstration projects.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 18th that the 'Industrial Convergence Regulatory Sandbox Deliberation Committee' held a meeting and approved a total of 44 projects, including 19 projects submitted and supported by the KCCI Sandbox Support Center.
First, the non-face-to-face animal health management service using in vitro diagnostic devices applied for by Petsnees received approval for a demonstration exemption. Customers purchase a pet urine test kit, conduct the test, and deliver the test results to a veterinarian through a platform to receive the veterinarian's opinion.
The urine test kit used in the service is a product registered as an in vitro diagnostic medical device for animals. It can test items such as animal protein, glucose, and white blood cells. Veterinarians remotely review the results of the urine test kit and deliver their opinions through the platform.
Until now, under the Veterinary Service Act in Korea, animal treatment was basically only possible through face-to-face consultations at animal hospitals. It was not possible to issue opinions through non-face-to-face consultations.
The Deliberation Committee approved the demonstration exemption, stating, "This service expands consumer convenience and can lead to timely visits and treatment at animal hospitals for pets." This is under the condition of complying with the Veterinary Service Act regulations outside the regulatory exemption and accumulating data through demonstration.
The 'LPG Fuel-Powered Ship Charging Demonstration Using LPG Bulk Lorries' project applied for by Korea R&D also received approval for a demonstration exemption.
The project involves constructing and test-operating LPG ships of 9 tons or more that manage fishing grounds and fish farms, and demonstrating LPG charging using bulk lorry vehicles equipped with large LPG tanks.
The global shipbuilding and shipping market is actively transitioning to eco-friendly ships due to strengthened ship air environment regulations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) carbon levy. Most small coastal vessels are diesel-powered. LPG ships are considered a practical alternative.
LPG ships have a simple system, making shipbuilding costs lower compared to LNG and electric propulsion ships. Fuel costs are cheaper than conventional fossil fuels. They emit fewer environmental pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and fine dust. They can also prevent marine pollution caused by oil spills in marine accidents.
Most domestic coastal vessels are over 16 years old. Demand for replacement with LPG ships is expected to increase. However, regulations have hindered the commercialization of LPG ships.
There are no standards for equipment and construction inspection of fishing vessels applying LPG fuel under the Fisheries Vessel Act. There are also no facility or technical standards related to LPG ship charging business under the 'Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Management and Business Act (LPG Act)'. Construction and fuel charging of LPG ships were impossible.
The Deliberation Committee recognized the necessity of demonstrating LPG ship charging in line with the global trend of expanding demand for eco-friendly ships and approved the demonstration exemption. This is under conditions such as compliance with the safety management system under the LPG Act, establishment of a safety management plan, and preparation of demonstration standards.
Additionally, the committee approved demonstration exemptions for projects such as 'hydrogen production systems including solid oxide electrolyzers,' 'biochar production facilities using livestock manure,' and 'restaurants allowing pets' entry.'
Choi Hyun-jong, head of the KCCI Sandbox Team, said, "We will continue to actively support various innovative products and services that lead the development of new industries and improve the quality of life for the public to be commercialized more quickly."
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