As the commercialization of the Arctic route becomes more tangible, Busan Port is accelerating its preparations to become a key hub for Arctic shipping. The Busan Port Authority (BPA) and various marine and polar research institutions are collaborating to secure essential technologies and infrastructure, including the development of icebreaking container ships and the construction of next-generation icebreakers.
On July 8, BPA, the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) held the 3rd Eco-Friendly Arctic Route Forum at the Asti Hotel in Busan.
In his welcoming remarks, BPA CEO Song Sang-geun stated, "In May, a special law promoting the use of the Arctic route and fostering related industries passed the National Assembly, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is actively pursuing pilot operation projects, making the commercialization of the Arctic route a reality. The Busan Port Authority is working to establish hub port infrastructure based on inter-agency cooperation, outlining a blueprint for Busan Port as a key Arctic route hub."
The first speaker, KRISO Senior Researcher Jeong Seong-yeop, presented on the topic of developing eco-friendly icebreaking container ships for Arctic route exploration. He explained that temperatures in the Arctic region are rising at nearly four times the global average, leading to a continuous reduction in ice cover. This situation highlights the economic and strategic value of the Arctic route as a new alternative for maritime transport connecting East Asia and Europe.
Geopolitical uncertainties in international shipping networks, exacerbated by incidents like the Suez Canal blockage and the Russia-Ukraine war, have led major countries to recognize the need for alternative routes to ensure supply chain stability.
Last year, over 500 vessels navigated Arctic waters, marking a 40% increase since 2013. This expansion in commercial use of the Arctic route suggests a growing demand for related technologies.
Jeong emphasized, "To sustainably utilize the Arctic route, safe navigation of vessels is essential. This requires advancements in ice detection and prediction, improved icebreaking performance, optimal navigation planning, and ice prevention technologies." He also noted that securing key strategic technologies related to Arctic route development is included in the new government's policy agenda, urging the need to establish strategic technologies to gain market leadership as commercialization approaches.
To facilitate Arctic route exploration, KOPRI is also accelerating the construction of next-generation icebreakers. The first-generation icebreaker Araon has successfully completed over 30 round trips to the Arctic and Antarctic, accumulating more than 1 million kilometers of navigation. However, its icebreaking capabilities limit access to deep Arctic regions above 80 degrees north, and there are constraints related to scheduling and vessel size.
To address these limitations, the government plans to invest 223.1 billion won by 2029 to build the next-generation icebreaker, which will have a total tonnage of 16,560 tons and accommodate up to 100 personnel.
KOPRI plans to introduce 80 types of research equipment annually and establish equipment across various fields, including atmospheric, geological, marine, and biological studies, to explore the entire Arctic Ocean.
The next-generation icebreaker is expected to be capable of breaking through 1.5-meter-thick flat ice at a speed of 3 knots. It will also implement a dual-fuel system using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur oil (MGO) to enable eco-friendly operations.
Joo Hyung-min, head of the next-generation icebreaker construction project at KOPRI, stated, "We have organized research demands by Arctic region and structured research voyages into seven trips. By sharing the roles of Araon and the next-generation icebreaker, we aim to reduce unnecessary navigation days and increase research voyage days in the Arctic and Antarctic from the current 85 days to 277 days."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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