Journalist

Lee nakyeong
  • British Ambassador tours Hanwha Oceans shipyard in Geoje
    British Ambassador tours Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Geoje SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - British Ambassador to Seoul Colin Crooks visited Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard in Geoje on Friday. According to the shipbuilder, Crooks inspected a diesel-electric Jang Bogo-class submarine currently under construction during a tour of the shipyard. Thursday's visit was made to review the status of cooperation, as Hanwha Ocean is participating in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) through a strategic partnership with British defense firm Babcock. Hanwha Ocean has proposed the Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine for the project, which is equipped with British-made torpedo launch tubes and an advanced weapons control system. Hanwha Ocean said its partnership with Babcock could help it better understand and meet the project's requirements, given that the British firm currently provides maintenance, repair, and operations services as well as naval support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Both companies also believe the partnership could boost their competitiveness by supporting Canada's push for localization, enhancing industrial capability, and ensuring the long-term reliability of submarine maintenance. Crooks said the partnership would lay an "important foundation" for expanding cooperation across defense-related sectors in the years to come. 2026-02-27 16:33:11
  • UK Ambassador Colin Crooks Visits Hanwha Ocean Shipyard in Geoje
    UK Ambassador Colin Crooks Visits Hanwha Ocean Shipyard in Geoje 콜린 크룩스(Colin Crooks) 주한 영국 대사가 27일 오전 한화오션 거제사업장을 방문해 장보고-III 배치-II 잠수함 건조 현장을 둘러보고 한·영 협력 현황을 점검했다. 한화오션은 이번 방문이 자사와 영국 밥콕이 전략적 파트너십을 바탕으로 캐나다 초계 잠수함 프로젝트(CPSP)에 함께 참여하는 가운데, 협력 진행 상황을 점검하기 위해 마련됐다고 밝혔다. 크룩스 대사는 잠수함 블록 제작 현장과 자동화 설비, 스마트 야드 기반 생산 시스템을 살펴봤다. 특히 건조 중인 장보고-III 배치-II 잠수함 현장을 둘러보며 관심을 보였다고 회사는 전했다. 한화오션이 캐나다 잠수함 사업에 제안한 장보고-III 배치-II에는 영국산 어뢰발사관과 무장 제어 체계, 잠수함 내 CO2 제거기 등을 탑재할 계획이다. 회사는 이번 방문에서 관련 진행 상황과 협조 사항을 공유하는 자리도 마련됐다고 했다. 한화오션은 양사 협력 모델이 캐나다의 요구 조건을 이해하고 반영하는 데 긍정적으로 작용할 것으로 기대하고 있다. 밥콕 캐나다는 2023년 한화오션과 기술협력협약(TCA)을 체결했으며, 현재 캐나다 해군의 유지·보수·운영(MRO)과 해군 지원 서비스를 맡고 있다. 한화오션은 한·영 협력 체계가 캐나다 정부가 중시하는 현지화를 통한 산업 기반 강화와 잠수함 장기 운용의 신뢰성 확보 측면에서도 경쟁력을 갖출 수 있을 것으로 보고 있다고 밝혔다. 크룩스 대사는 "한화오션과 밥콕 간 공동 수행 협약은 한국과 영국 양국 정부가 추진하고 있는 국방공동수출 업무협약을 구체화한 대표적인 사례"라며 "양국 기업 간 전략적 파트너십이 향후 다양한 방산 분야에서의 협력 확대를 이끄는 중요한 기반이 될 것"이라고 말했다. 정승균 한화오션 특수선해외사업단 부사장은 "한화오션과 밥콕사 양국 기업의 기술력과 해군 사업 수행 경험이 결합된 협력 구조는 캐나다 잠수함 사업에 있어 실질적이고 지속 가능한 해법이 될 것"이라며 "CPSP 사업을 통해 캐나다 해군 전력 강화는 물론 현지 산업 생태계 발전에도 기여할 수 있도록 최선을 다하겠다"고 전했다. 2026-02-27 15:21:21
  • POSCO Picks Eight Core Steel Products to Target Future Markets
    POSCO Picks Eight Core Steel Products to Target Future Markets POSCO said Thursday it has selected eight core strategic products aimed at securing a lead in future steel markets and has set up a “One Team” structure to strengthen its fundamental competitiveness. In early February, the company created new project teams for stainless steel for next-generation growth markets, PosMAC for renewable energy, high-manganese steel, and an electric-arc-furnace premium steel initiative. Those join four teams launched in December — energy plate, electrical steel sheet for power applications, Giga Steel and HyperNO — completing its “eight core strategic product technology development project teams,” which are now fully operating. POSCO said it has been building the project-team system since late last year to rebuild steel competitiveness and secure future growth engines, integrating management from technology development through production and sales. The eight teams are placed directly under the Pohang and Gwangyang steelworks so research results can be applied immediately on the production floor, the company said, as it seeks to expand high value-added steel products and capture future market leadership. POSCO said it will differentiate product groups between the two plants based on their R&D and production strengths. Pohang will focus on improving performance and developing energy steel used in oil and gas, power generation and renewable energy, in line with rising global electricity demand, aiming to become a leading producer of energy steel. Gwangyang, where automotive steel sheet is a mainstay, will strengthen competitiveness as a mobility-focused plant centered on new growth steel to secure leadership in autonomous driving and future mobility and to meet rising demand for low-carbon products. POSCO Group Chairman Jang In-hwa said in his New Year’s address that the company must “complete the portfolio of eight core strategic products, which are key to future industries, and strengthen market leadership.” POSCO also said it plans to take the lead in improving the domestic steel ecosystem in step with the government’s “steel industry advancement plan.” A company official said that amid an increasingly difficult business environment — including a flood of low-priced imports and global tariff barriers — POSCO will break down departmental boundaries to expand its portfolio around the eight products and solidify leadership in future industrial markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 10:12:21
  • Korea’s Petrochemical Industry Welcomes 2 Trillion Won Support, Seeks Tailored Aid by Complex
    Korea’s Petrochemical Industry Welcomes 2 Trillion Won Support, Seeks Tailored Aid by Complex The petrochemical industry welcomed the government’s approval of its first sector restructuring plan and a 2 trillion won package of financial and tax support, saying it could ease pressure after a prolonged downturn and China-driven oversupply that has sharply hurt profitability. Industry officials said Wednesday the package is a positive step, but its scope and effectiveness will depend on how it is carried out. They pointed in particular to the inclusion of financing, calling it the biggest change. Companies have pursued self-help measures and cost cuts as conditions worsened, but new government funding had been virtually absent. A petrochemical industry official said it was encouraging that relevant ministries worked together on a comprehensive package, adding that the support could speed up facility integration that had been delayed by funding burdens. The official said it will be important whether tailored support continues during the restructuring process based on each company’s circumstances. Cho Nam-su, CEO of HD Hyundai Chemical, who attended a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy at KOTRA in Seoul, said, “I think the government has done its best,” and added, “Based on this support package, we will do our utmost to become a model case that does not disappoint the government.” The industry also expects the approved consolidation of HD Hyundai and Lotte Chemical’s naphtha cracking center, or NCC, facilities in the Daesan complex to accelerate restructuring talks in Yeosu and Ulsan. Companies see the Daesan project’s conditions and support level as a potential benchmark for future negotiations. Yeosu and Ulsan have not yet submitted final restructuring plans to the ministry. With more companies clustered there than in Daesan, coordinating interests over measures such as NCC output cuts has been difficult. In Yeosu, options including shutting down the third plant of Yeocheon NCC, a joint venture between Hanwha Solutions and DL Chemical, and a shutdown at Lotte Chemical have been reviewed, but no conclusion has been reached. LG Chem and GS Caltex have agreed only to close aging facilities, while clashing over issues including the equity structure of their joint venture. In Ulsan, SK Geo Centric, Daehan Oil & Chemical and S-OIL are discussing a restructuring plan, but have not narrowed differences over whether to include S-OIL’s Shaheen Project among targets for cuts. By contrast, the industry voiced disappointment over electricity-cost relief. The government proposed using a “distributed special zone” system to apply power rates 4% to 5% cheaper than those of Korea Electric Power Corp., but critics said generation capacity and the scope of application are limited. The Korea Chemical Industry Association said it “sincerely welcomes and appreciates,” on behalf of the industry, the swift approval of the first petrochemical restructuring project with active cooperation from government ministries and related agencies. But it said measures to ease the burden of industrial electricity rates were not sufficiently reflected in the Daesan package. It added that, from the standpoint of industrial competitiveness, a broader review of the overall industrial electricity-rate system is needed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 17:06:28
  • KR chief Lee Young-seok touts 2025 revenue milestone, targets record 2026 results
    KR chief Lee Young-seok touts 2025 revenue milestone, targets record 2026 results "Even as global environmental rules tighten and the maritime industry undergoes digital transformation, the Korean Register will continue to grow based on technological competitiveness and customer trust," KR Chairman Lee Young-seok said at a KR press briefing on Feb. 24 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Lee said external uncertainty is expected to persist this year and stressed that KR will push technological innovation to overcome challenges. "Through field-focused management and open communication, we will work closely with the government and related maritime organizations," he said. "We will continue to expand our capabilities in digital and eco-friendly technologies to contribute to the sustainable development of the maritime industry." KR set targets for this year of 213 billion won in revenue and 95 million tons in registered fleet. It also outlined a mid- to long-term plan to raise revenue to as much as 270 billion won and expand its registered fleet to 120 million tons by 2030. To reach those goals, KR said it will build strategic footholds overseas and step up focused sales efforts. It named China as its top priority market and said it will seek to increase the volume of existing ships it attracts from major shipping companies to create a virtuous cycle that brings more vessels to KR. It also said it aims to find new markets, including Dubai, and raise the share of purely foreign-flagged ships from about 30% to 40% over the mid to long term. KR also approved the appointment of three new full-time executives and reassigned other executive roles. Kim Seong-ju, head of the China regional headquarters; Yeon Gyu-jin, head of the drawing approval office; and Choi Cheol, head of the international cooperation office, were appointed as full-time executives, overseeing the inspection, technical and business divisions, respectively. Choi Won-jun, a vice president who had overseen the management division, was reassigned as senior vice president in charge of the strategy division. Yoon Seong-ho, the senior vice president who had led the strategy division, was reassigned as vice president overseeing the management division. Earlier, KR held its 64th regular general meeting and approved a business report and its 2025 financial statements. KR said it expanded inspection volume for newbuild ships through active sales efforts. As a result, revenue last year totaled 206 billion won and its registered fleet grew to 90.35 million tons. Of newly registered existing ships, 71% were owned by overseas shipowners, KR said, reflecting expanded technological competitiveness and international trust. 2026-02-24 16:46:29
  • SM Line Named Top Partner by China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan and Shanghai Ports
    SM Line Named Top Partner by China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan and Shanghai Ports SM Line, the shipping affiliate of South Korea’s SM Group, has been named an outstanding partner by major Chinese port authorities, a recognition the company said reflects confidence in its growth potential. The company said Tuesday it was selected as a carrier with “sustained growth potential” at the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port annual port-transport exchange meeting recently held in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is among the world’s top three ports by container volume. It handled 39.31 million TEUs in 2024, trailing Shanghai (51.51 million TEUs) and Singapore (41.12 million TEUs). SM Line said its volume at Ningbo-Zhoushan topped 200,000 TEUs last year. SM Line first called at Ningbo in 2017 after launching its U.S. West Coast service (CPX), and added a Pacific Northwest service (PNS) the following year, expanding service in the region. The company said it was recognized alongside global carriers including Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport, T.S. Lines, China’s Sinotrans and SITC, and Singapore-based Sea Lead. Separately, Shanghai Port selected SM Line as a “carrier with promising prospects.” The award is tied to Shanghai’s 15th five-year development plan, which aims to upgrade logistics links among Shanghai Port, the Yangtze River and nearby rail networks. SM Line said the designation reflects its status as a key partner expected to share and help carry out the port’s long-term strategy. SM Line said it plans to step up efforts this year to win export cargo from China bound for the Americas and Asia, while working closely with local ports to provide stable capacity and respond flexibly to shifts in global trade and the shipping market. “It is meaningful and gratifying that major Chinese ports have recognized our future value and potential,” SM Line CEO Kang Ho-jun said. “As a bridge linking Asia and the Americas and competing with global carriers, we will devote ourselves to accelerating growth in the China market and strengthening trust.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 15:13:00
  • S-Oil Promotes Key Executives Ahead of Shaheen Project Startup
    S-Oil Promotes Key Executives Ahead of Shaheen Project Startup S-Oil has reshuffled and promoted executives ahead of the planned January commercial startup of its Shaheen Project, moving key leaders to the forefront to strengthen launch preparations and stabilize early operations. The company on Monday announced promotions for three vice presidents, eight senior managing directors and four managing directors. Many of those promoted lead organizations responsible for Shaheen Project operations. Among the vice president promotions was Lee Jeong-ik, head of the Shaheen Project Headquarters. Promoted to senior managing director were Lee Uk-yong, who leads Shaheen Project operations, and Heo Seong-hun, head of the project technology division. The moves bolster both overall management and the operations and technology lines as the company focuses on stabilizing the project’s operating organization. Also promoted to vice president were Jeong Yeong-gwang, head of the chemical production headquarters, and Lee Geon-myeong, head of the domestic sales headquarters. Promoted to senior managing director were Lee Gyeong-mun, head of the new business division; Lee Jeong-il, head of the central region headquarters; Kim Seung-hu, head of the supply and demand division; Shin Jong-cheol, head of the lubricants sales division; Seo Gyeong-seop, head of the general affairs division; and Shin Bong-su, head of the RFCC1 plant. Promoted to managing director were Ahn Jeong-woo, head of the management planning division; Lee Hyeon-min, head of the southern region headquarters; Yang Hyeon-jun, head of the logistics division; and Kim Hyeon-woo, head of the domestic sales division. The Shaheen Project is a large-scale development in the Onsan National Industrial Complex, with a total investment of 9.258 trillion won on about 880,000 square meters. Construction began in March 2023, with mechanical completion targeted for late June this year. After test runs, the project is scheduled to begin commercial operations in January next year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 14:12:19
  • POSCO Expands Electrical Steel Output to Offset Weak Plate and Hot-Rolled Demand
    POSCO Expands Electrical Steel Output to Offset Weak Plate and Hot-Rolled Demand 포스코가 전기강판 생산을 확대하며 사업 포트폴리오 다변화에 속도를 내고 있다. 중국발 공급과잉과 전방 산업 침체로 후판·열연강판 등 범용 제품의 수익성이 흔들리자 고부가가치 특수강 비중을 늘려 실적을 방어하겠다는 전략이다. 23일 업계에 따르면 포스코는 저가 철강재 수입 급증과 글로벌 수요 부진으로 국내 열연·후판 시장의 수익성이 크게 악화한 가운데 전기강판 생산을 꾸준히 늘려온 것으로 나타났다. 포스코의 전기강판 생산량은 2023년 60만t에서 2024년 73만t, 2025년 82만t으로 증가했다. 3년 새 30% 이상 늘어난 것이다. 전체 조강 생산에서 차지하는 비중은 아직 크지 않지만, 범용재 수요가 위축된 상황에서도 생산이 확대됐다는 점이 주목된다. 전기강판은 전기적 특성을 강화한 특수강으로 전기차 모터, 산업용 모터, 변압기 등 전력 변환 장치의 핵심 소재로 쓰인다. 기술 장벽이 높아 경기 변동에 민감한 범용재보다 수익성이 비교적 안정적인 소재로 평가된다. 시장 성장 전망도 제시됐다. HTF 마켓 인텔리전스는 세계 전기강판 시장 규모가 2025년 약 63조원에서 연평균 8.2% 성장해 2033년 약 100조원에 이를 것으로 전망했다. 이는 최근 몇 년간 생산 물량이 연간 수요 기준선에 못 미쳤다는 후판·열연강판 시장과 대비된다고 업계는 보고 있다. 전기강판은 방향성(변압기용)과 무방향성(전기차 구동 모터용)으로 나뉜다. 포스코는 무방향성 전기강판에 투자를 집중하고 있다. 전기차 수요 정체 국면에서도 기술 개발을 통해 국내에서 유일하게 무방향성 전기강판을 생산하고 있다고 회사는 밝혔다. 포스코는 2023년 총 1조원을 투자해 연산 30만t 규모의 하이퍼 NO 공장을 완공한 뒤 생산 라인을 증설해 광양 30만t, 포항 70만t 등 총 100만t의 전기강판 생산 체제를 구축했다. 대표 제품인 하이퍼 NO는 포스코가 만든 구동 모터용 무방향성 전기강판으로, 철손을 최소화한 것이 특징이라고 회사는 설명했다. 포스코는 글로벌 완성차 업체를 중심으로 전기강판 수출을 확대한다는 방침이다. 포스코 관계자는 "현재 도요타와 테슬라 등 글로벌 자동차사에 구동 모터용 전기강판을 공급하고 있다"며 "신제품 개발과 품질 고도화를 통해 점유율을 점진적으로 끌어올릴 계획"이라고 말했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 05:06:04
  • Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yoon-beom Bets on Board Shake-Up Ahead of March Shareholder Vote
    Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yoon-beom Bets on Board Shake-Up Ahead of March Shareholder Vote Choi Yoon-beom, chairman of Korea Zinc, has made a high-stakes push to reshape the board ahead of the company’s March annual shareholders meeting. The strategy is to seat all three director nominees backed by the company, strengthening his side ahead of an expected proxy fight at future shareholder meetings. On Sunday, Korea Zinc said it held an extraordinary board meeting and confirmed it will convene its 52nd annual general meeting of shareholders on March 24 at the Koreana Hotel in Seoul’s Jung District. With the company agreeing to put many items proposed by major shareholders on the agenda, the meeting is expected to be a turning point in the management control dispute. The main focus is the election of new directors. Of the 19 board seats, four directors have had their duties suspended under a court injunction, leaving 11 aligned with Choi and four aligned with MBK Partners and Young Poong, the company said. The terms of six inside and outside directors, including Choi and an adviser identified as Jang, expired on Feb. 16. Both sides are expected to wage a close vote battle over the six openings. The MBK-Young Poong alliance recommended five new director candidates, including Choi Yeon-seok, a partner at MBK Partners, and Park Byung-wook, for non-executive director posts, the company said. Korea Zinc nominated two candidates, including Choi, and also put forward Walter Field McLellan as a new outside director nominee recommended by Crucible, a joint venture tied to a smelter project in Clarksville, Tennessee. Choi’s side holds 44% in friendly stakes, narrowly ahead of the MBK-Young Poong alliance at 41%, according to the company. If all three company-backed nominees are elected, the board would be reshaped to a 9-6 split favoring Choi’s camp, it said. Another variable is an ongoing Financial Supervisory Service accounting review involving Korea Zinc and Young Poong. Depending on the outcome, Choi’s management decisions could come under scrutiny, potentially affecting the agenda item on his reappointment as an inside director. At Sunday’s extraordinary board meeting, Korea Zinc accepted most agenda items proposed by MBK Partners and Young Poong. The alliance had asked the company to include items to appoint an interim chair; set the number of directors to be elected at six; elect five directors, including two non-executive directors and three outside directors; convert 392.5 billion won in discretionary reserves into retained earnings; amend the articles of incorporation to introduce an executive officer system and conduct a stock split; and approve revisions to rules governing executive retirement payments. Korea Zinc said it will submit all but the interim chair appointment item to the annual meeting agenda. 2026-02-23 20:21:20
  • HMM Launches Generative AI Chatbot for Shippers to Streamline Service
    HMM Launches Generative AI Chatbot for Shippers to Streamline Service HMM said on the 23rd it has introduced a generative AI-based chatbot service for shippers, stepping up digital transformation at customer touchpoints. The chatbot, co-developed with LG CNS, is aimed at improving customer experience and strengthening service competitiveness that shippers can directly feel, the company said. HMM said the service is designed so shippers can get needed information through natural Q&A, like talking with an agent, without knowing precise shipping terms or complex procedures. It can help users check vessel schedules and freight rates, and handle tasks that require specialized knowledge, including △country-specific customs procedures △complex regulatory requirements △whether cargo qualifies as dangerous goods for transport. To serve shippers worldwide, the chatbot includes real-time translation in 17 languages. HMM said it expects shippers will be able to handle needed tasks immediately, anytime and anywhere, without language barriers, easing their workload. HMM said it will continue to upgrade its digital services based on actual customer usage data and gradually expand digital transformation closely aligned with shippers’ overall business flow. An HMM official said the chatbot is focused on fundamentally addressing inconveniences shippers have faced, adding that the company will strengthen its differentiated competitiveness by innovating the shipper experience.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 13:24:17