South Korea has revised its environmentally friendly vessel certification rules to boost sustainability across the nation’s shipping and shipbuilding industries.
The updated regulations, jointly introduced by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), took effect on August 21, 2025. They are designed to align with international climate standards and expand support for eco-friendly innovation in the maritime sector.
Key updates include:
Greater flexibility: Certification will still be granted even if final specifications differ from preliminary approval due to design changes.
Global alignment: Standards now reflect international frameworks like the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
According to MOF, these measures will encourage higher demand for eco-friendly certification. The government will also provide incentives, including tax reductions of up to 2 percentage points and financing support covering up to 30% of shipbuilding costs for certified green vessels.
Deputy Director Seong-yong Choi of MOF’s Safety Policy Division said the new framework “will take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping sector while boosting green shipbuilding capacity.”
South Korea has been steadily advancing its eco-friendly vessel initiative since 2020. By July 2025, 119 ships had already received certification, and earlier this year, the scope was expanded to include green equipment such as onboard carbon capture systems and waste heat recovery technology.
The government has also committed nearly KRW 222.3 billion ($152.9 million) toward the construction or conversion of 81 eco-friendly vessels, including electric and hybrid-powered units, under a public-private partnership.
With new revisions and investment, South Korea is reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable shipping and green shipbuilding.
