In a major push toward decarbonising maritime logistics, President Jae-young Byeon of the Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) and Chief Executive Sun-bae Hong of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Centre (KMC) jointly announced the successful conclusion of the “2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels,” held on 23 April at the Caradium Hall of the PJ Hotel in Seoul.
The forum, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organised by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.
Marine biofuel supply chain
The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the IMO's approval
The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.
Positioning Ulsan Port as a pioneering biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia was central to the agenda. UPA, Korea’s foremost port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.
UPA's commitment
During the second session, UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centred on Ulsan Port, highlighting the port's strategic advantages, including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.
The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's premier biofuel bunkering destination.
IMO environmental regulations
The presentation showcased UPA's duty to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks
"As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels," stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon.
"Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centred biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise."
Climate-friendly economic transition
Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Centre (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that "the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition."
During his address, Director Hong stressed, "We will continuously facilitate industry dialogue forums like this meeting to strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic shipping industry as international regulations approach, creating opportunities for growth."
Key players in the maritime and energy sectors
Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors:
- Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Pioneer Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
- Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
- Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
- Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
- Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Pioneer Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
- Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels
The forum concluded with a dynamic panel discussion where UPA outlined its roadmap for transforming Ulsan Port into the region’s leading biofuel supply centre, backed by strategic investments and cross-sector partnerships.
