The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in South Korea has finalized a new set of national policy tasks aimed at transforming the maritime and fisheries sectors. The plan, which was approved at a Cabinet meeting on September 16, 2025, outlines three main objectives to be pursued over the next five years.
Advancing Maritime Industry and Arctic Routes
The ministry is focused on establishing South Korea as a leading maritime power for the Arctic route era. A new “Shipping Line Transfer Council” will be created to support the relocation of major carriers, including HMM, to Busan. This is part of a broader effort to transform Busan into a global maritime hub. To support the commercialization of Arctic routes, the government will provide subsidies for the construction of icebreaking vessels. The plan also includes developing high-value-added shipbuilding technologies, such as Korean-style fully autonomous ships, and fostering new markets for ship maintenance and repair.
Revitalizing Fisheries and Coastal Economy
The government plans to boost the economy of fishing villages and coastal areas by increasing the income and quality of life for residents. The management system for capture fisheries will be reformed, with a focus on a total allowable catch (TAC) system. Support will be provided for scrapping old fishing vessels and building replacements, and for aquaculture, disaster-prone farms will be assisted in relocating or switching species. The plan also aims to build a nationwide cold-chain distribution network by expanding online seafood transactions and processing centers. Additionally, it will support young fishers, expand marine tourism infrastructure, and facilitate the rollout of offshore wind power projects.
Strengthening Maritime Sovereignty and Safety
Measures will be taken to enhance maritime sovereignty and safety. The ministry will strengthen surveillance and enforcement to combat illegal fishing by foreign vessels. A new operator qualification system for small vessels will be introduced, and the number of fishing vessel safety supervisors will be increased from 10 to 31. To improve maritime safety, the ministry will establish a terrestrial navigation system to counter GPS jamming and implement an AI-based system for safety and disaster management. The plan also includes an environmental goal to designate at least 1,000 square kilometers of new marine protected areas each year and expand facilities for managing marine litter.
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Source: Chosun
