Korea, Australia to launch green shipping route by 2029

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung, right, poses with Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeffrey Robinson after signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to establish a green shipping route between Korea and Australia at the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service in Seoul, Dec. 10. Yonhap

Korea and Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a green shipping route, targeting trial operations in the first half of 2029, according to officials on Monday.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the agreement was finalized after Korean Minister Kang Do-hyung signed the document in Seoul. Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King had previously signed the MOU, which was later delivered to Korea by Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeffrey Robinson.

The agreement aims to promote cooperation in several areas, including the establishment of a green shipping route, joint responses to eco-friendly shipping issues within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and fostering the supply and use of alternative clean fuels. The two countries also pledged to facilitate exchanges among related organizations.

A preliminary feasibility study for the green shipping route will begin in the first half of this year.