A newly released report indicates that the proposed South Korea–Europe Green Shipping Corridor (GSC) has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions by over 70%, on important trade routes connecting Pyeongtaek Port in South Korea with major automotive hubs in Europe, reports Offshore Energy.
Net Zero Pathway
A new report titled ‘Charting a Net-Zero Pathway’, published by the South Korean non-profit organization Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC), proposes the establishment of a green shipping corridor connecting Pyeongtaek Port—South Korea’s largest hub for automobile imports and exports—with major European ports including Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton. The report outlines strategic pathways for decarbonization in the maritime sector through this initiative.
The proposed green corridor is presented as a crucial step in the maritime industry’s transition towards environmental sustainability and as a leading example for long-distance, low-emission shipping. SFOC highlights that with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) recent announcement of the net-zero Framework at MEPC 83, the potential partnership between South Korea and Europe offers a timely opportunity to take a leading role in global shipping decarbonization, filling a current leadership gap. For South Korea, which boasts one of the world’s largest shipbuilding industries, this proposed corridor also signifies significant progress within its Greenship-K Program. This national program aims for a complete phaseout of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2050, aligning with the IMO’s 2050 net-zero target.
The green corridor initiative focuses on pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). These vessels operate on regular, high-volume routes and require less complex cargo-handling infrastructure compared to container terminals. This characteristic makes PCTCs more adaptable for the early adoption of green technologies, presenting a practical and scalable entry point for implementing zero-emission shipping solutions on a major trade route.
Adopting Green Methanol
Pyeongtaek Port’s significance as South Korea’s primary automotive trade hub positions it strategically for the proposed green corridor initiative. It serves as a major export point for domestic car manufacturers such as Hyundai, Kia, and KG Mobility, particularly for shipments destined for Northern and Central European markets.
The governance structure of Pyeongtaek Port is also considered ‘favorable’ for the development of a green shipping corridor. The port’s oversight by the Pyeongtaek Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, combined with hinterland infrastructure largely financed through private capital, creates a collaborative environment well-suited for the public-private partnerships that SFOC identifies as crucial for the successful implementation of the Green Shipping Corridor (GSC).
To realize the potential of this initiative, the report outlines several key policy recommendations. These include the enactment of a dedicated Green Corridor Act, the development of necessary fuel supply infrastructure for green fuels, and the implementation of expanded financial incentives to drive adoption. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for active engagement from key private-sector stakeholders, including shipping companies, fuel suppliers, cargo owners, and investors.
A central element of the proposed Korea–Europe GSC is the adoption of green methanol as a low-carbon alternative to conventional marine fuels. Unlike gray or brown methanol, which are derived from fossil fuels and produce over 100 grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule (gCO₂e/MJ), green methanol is produced from renewable sources, resulting in near-zero emissions.
The report estimates that the combined emissions from eastbound and westbound operations solely on the Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek leg amount to over 2 million metric tons of CO₂ annually when powered by conventional heavy fuel oil. A transition to green methanol on this route could eliminate approximately 1.4 million tons of these emissions. Given projections that methanol could account for more than 20 percent of global marine fuel use by 2050, the report underscores the urgency of establishing a reliable and scalable green methanol supply chain.
Jueun Han, a researcher from SFOC, commented on the strategic importance of this initiative: “Amid changing global dynamics, green shipping corridors with Europe present a strategic opportunity for South Korea. With Europe leading maritime decarbonization, Korea is well-positioned to cooperate by establishing a private-sector-led pilot corridor centered around Pyeongtaek Port. In response to the IMO’s GHG reduction targets and the EU’s tightening regulations, developing green shipping corridors is essential to securing the long-term competitiveness of Korea’s shipping and shipbuilding industries.”
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Source: Offshore Energy
