MOF amends rules to support green shipping and shipbuilding

South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) has announced significant revisions to its eco-friendly vessel certification standards, aimed at bolstering sustainability in the shipping and shipbuilding industries. Effective from August 21, these new rules expand the scope of applicants and align with international standards, reflecting the country’s commitment to a sustainable maritime future. The revisions were made in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

Key Changes to Certification Standards

The revised guidelines introduce several important changes to the eco-friendly certification process. Notably, the eligibility for certification has been broadened to include not just shipowners but also shipbuilders. This expansion is expected to encourage more stakeholders in the maritime sector to pursue eco-friendly practices.

Another significant update allows for final certification to be granted even if it diverges from preliminary accreditation due to “unavoidable reasons,” such as design modifications. This flexibility aims to streamline the certification process and accommodate the realities of ship design and construction.

Additionally, the new rules have been updated to better align with internationally recognized standards, including the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). These adaptations are designed to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of South Korea’s eco-friendly certification system.

Seong-yong Choi, Deputy Director of the Safety Policy Division at MOF, expressed optimism about the revisions, stating that they are expected to significantly increase demand for eco-friendly certifications. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the maritime sector’s transition to sustainability through measures such as tax reductions for eco-friendly certified ships and financial support for shipbuilding costs.

Government Initiatives to Promote Green Shipping

The eco-friendly vessel initiative was first introduced in December 2020, with MOF overseeing the certification process. As of July 2025, a total of 119 vessels have been certified as environmentally friendly. The government is actively working to enhance this initiative, having amended guidelines in February 2025 to include not only vessels but also green technologies like onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) and waste heat recovery systems.

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The February amendments also prioritize electric propulsion ships and other vessels that do not emit harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), by awarding them the highest scores in certification evaluations.

In a bid to further stimulate green shipbuilding, the South Korean government has allocated approximately KRW 222.3 billion (around $152.89 million) for the construction or conversion of 81 eco-friendly vessels. This initiative involves both public and private sectors, with the public sector set to construct 34 eco-friendly ships, including electric and hybrid vessels, while private entities will receive financial assistance to build an additional 20 ships.

These comprehensive efforts reflect South Korea’s dedication to leading the charge in reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the shipping industry, positioning the nation as a frontrunner in sustainable maritime practices.