Busan Port Takes the Lead in Sustainable Arctic Route Initiatives
Let’s seize the golden opportunity to develop the Arctic Route!
On June 10, Busan Port Authority (BPA, President Song Sangkeun) held the "Eco-friendly Arctic Route Forum" at the Busan International Exhibition and Convention Center to discuss sustainable utilization strategies for the Arctic Route. The event was attended by over 200 representatives from the government, academia, and industry.
This forum was jointly hosted by four organizations: BPA, Korea Maritime Institute, Korea Polar Research Institute, and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering. The focus went beyond simply revitalizing the Arctic Route or discussing logistics efficiency, centering instead on how to utilize the Arctic Route?opened as a result of the climate crisis?in an eco-friendly and responsible manner.
In his keynote speech, Korea Polar Research Institute Director Shin Hyungchul described the Arctic Route as a "test bed for sustainability." Shin emphasized that "beyond economic benefits and support measures, a comprehensive plan is needed to fill capability gaps so that we can predict and operate a safe and efficient shipping lane."
During the thematic presentations, Kim Eomji, Director at the Korea Maritime Institute, proposed the need for proactive policy-making based on eco-friendly values, the establishment of global partnerships, and the development of infrastructure specialized for the Arctic Route. Lee Myungho, Vice President of Polaris Shipping, highlighted the economic and strategic potential of the Arctic Route from an industry perspective, stating, "Now is the right time for Busan Port to rise as a hub for the Arctic Route."
The designated discussion delved deeply into three main pillars: the economic effectiveness of the Arctic Route, policy commitment, and technological response capabilities. Discussions covered the economic value of the Arctic Route for the shipping and logistics industry, the need for dedicated infrastructure and policy support, the acquisition of technology for polar navigation vessels and equipment, ecosystem protection, and the expansion of international cooperation. Participants agreed that the "golden time" to respond to the Arctic Route is now.
Kim Geunseop, Executive Director at the Korea Maritime Institute, stressed that for Busan Port to become a key hub for the Arctic Route, it must simultaneously enhance its bunkering infrastructure for eco-friendly fuel supply and strengthen its ship repair and shipbuilding capabilities to support vessels navigating the Arctic Route, calling on BPA to take an active role.
BPA President Song Sangkeun stated, "No matter how sophisticated the strategy, if we are not prepared to receive ships navigating the Arctic Route, the opportunity will simply pass us by," adding, "We will proactively prepare to ensure that Busan Port becomes a hub for the Arctic Route by responding in advance to real demand, such as eco-friendly fuel supply and infrastructure for polar navigation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
