South Korea and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the establishment of a green shipping route between the two nations, aiming to support international shipping decarbonisation and promote the use of carbon-free fuels.
The MOU was announced by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) on Monday, February 10, and forms part of broader efforts to create favourable conditions for the supply and uptake of eco-friendly fuel in the maritime sector.
The agreement was initially signed by Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, in January, and was formally finalised in Korea by Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung. Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeff Robinson attended the signing ceremony.
A green shipping route is defined as a maritime corridor that produces no carbon emissions during port-to-port transport due to the use of carbon-free fuels and green technologies. The MOU signals both countries’ intention to explore such a route between major Australian and Korean ports.
According to the MOF, the cooperation will extend beyond the route itself. The two countries will work together at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on green shipping issues, facilitate exchanges between relevant organisations, and jointly support the development of infrastructure for eco-friendly fuel supply.
Preparatory work will begin in the first half of this year, including a preliminary feasibility study to evaluate potential routes for green maritime transport between the two countries.
Minister Kang Do-hyung said the partnership represents “the most effective means of achieving carbon neutrality in the shipping industry,” and expressed hopes the MOU will strengthen bilateral cooperation around the shared goal of green shipping.