Korea Offshore Plant Association Holds Public-Private Meeting in Busan
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: "Promoting Korea-US Cooperation and Strengthening Materials, Parts, and Equipment Policies"
Equipment Suppliers Request Support for Securing Track Records
The shipbuilding industry has begun reviewing key issues ranging from measures to cope with the heat wave, to strengthening the competitiveness of materials, parts, and equipment, and expanding Korea-US cooperation. The government and the industry have agreed to jointly establish a sustainable growth strategy through a public-private "one team system."
On July 14, the Korea Offshore Plant Association held a "Shipbuilders and Equipment Suppliers Win-Win Cooperation Meeting" together with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy at the Asti Hotel in Busan, where they discussed responses to the heat wave and policy directions for the second half of the year. On this day, major and mid-sized shipbuilders shared safety measures such as installing cooling fog systems, water spraying vehicles, and onboard rest areas at worksites. Park Dongil, Director General for Manufacturing Industry Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, emphasized, "Although orders are increasing and the sites are busier, the health of workers during the heat wave must be the top priority."
The equipment suppliers requested support for securing track records of adopting new technologies through collaboration with shipbuilders, as well as assistance with exports. They also expressed expectations for expanded Korea-US cooperation, stating that they hope it will lead to tangible outcomes such as MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) for naval vessels and supply chain development.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy explained that it plans to announce a "Competitiveness Enhancement Plan for Shipbuilding Materials, Parts, and Equipment" in the second half of this year, and is also preparing strategies for Korea-US cooperation and new business opportunities after LNG carriers. The association stated, "In the past, the public and private sectors have worked together to overcome order droughts and labor shortages," and pledged to strengthen its role as a policy communication channel to address challenges such as decarbonization transition, competition with China, and technological leadership.
At the meeting, some participants commented on the discussions about transferring policy functions related to the shipbuilding industry, saying that "a cautious approach is needed, considering the wide range of related industries."
The public and private sectors have agreed to continue working together to develop sustainable growth strategies for the shipbuilding industry.
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