Mokpo Namhang Set to Become a Global Hub for Eco-Friendly Ships

Accelerating Technology Development and Core Facility Construction Worth 156 Billion KRW

Namhang in Mokpo City, Jeonnam (Mayor Park Hongryul) is gaining attention as a global hub for the eco-friendly shipbuilding industry.

According to the city on the 6th, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s announcement of the '2023 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy,' the global transition to eco-friendly ship fuels is accelerating. In response, Mokpo is pursuing various projects to lead the future eco-friendly ship market.

Aerial view of Mokpo South Port eco-friendly ship research infrastructure. Provided by Mokpo City

Since 2020, the city has been carrying out four projects selected by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, totaling approximately 156 billion KRW. These include: ▲Development of electric-powered car ferries and mobile power supply systems ▲Development and demonstration of eco-friendly ship hybrid fuel technology ▲Development of technology to improve the efficiency of passenger ships based on renewable energy ▲Development and demonstration of eco-friendly ship test evaluation technology.

In particular, the electric-powered car ferry is currently undergoing demonstration operations in the waters near Mokpo, and the world's first 2,600-ton class maritime demonstration vessel (K-GTB) was launched in Mokpo in October last year. Additionally, the 'Ammonia Fuel Supply System Demonstration Infrastructure Project,' selected by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has secured a total project budget of 20 billion KRW, accelerating the development of eco-friendly technologies.

Currently, in the Mokpo Namhang Education and Research District, the charging test building and the control and maintenance building have been completed, while the research building, power test building, and international cooperation and welfare building are under construction with a target completion date of 2025.

Mokpo City plans to foster the eco-friendly ship industry based on this research infrastructure and emerge as a globally competitive hub.

Mayor Park Hongryul stated, "We recognized the potential of the eco-friendly ship industry early on and have been making steady investments," adding, "We will make Namhang the center of the global eco-friendly ship industry."