- Green Shipping Corridors Highlight EU-Korea Talks.
- Korea Seeks EU Support for UN Ocean Conference.
- IMO Assembly Preparations Drive EU-Korea Cooperation.
On Monday in Seoul, European Union Ambassador to Korea, Maria Castillo Fernandez, sat down with Korea’s Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Kim Sung-bum. Their goal? To strengthen their partnership in reducing maritime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to foster the creation of green shipping corridors, reports The Korea Times.
Focus on IMO General Assembly and Midterm GHG Measures
The focus of their discussion at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was to synchronise the EU and Korea’s strategies ahead of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) General Assembly scheduled for October. This upcoming meeting is anticipated to roll out midterm measures aimed at slashing emissions from international shipping, which currently accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon emissions.
“Today’s meeting marks a meaningful step forward in enhancing EU-Korea cooperation toward net-zero goals,” said Castillo Fernandez. “We welcome Korea’s commitment to a greener maritime future.” Kim emphasised the ongoing partnership, noting, “The Republic of Korea and the EU have been long-standing allies in reducing maritime greenhouse gas emissions. Let us continue our joint efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Advancing Green Shipping Corridors
The two officials talked about setting up green shipping corridors, maritime routes designed for vessels that produce zero or low emissions, along with the necessary infrastructure. These corridors are seen as crucial for pushing the global transition towards sustainable shipping practices.
Korea Seeks EU Backing for UN Ocean Conference Bid
During their meeting, Kim also officially requested the EU’s support for Korea’s bid to host the fourth United Nations Ocean Conference. This significant event is all about ocean sustainability and building climate resilience.
Building on the EU-Korea Green Partnership
This recent conversation highlights the growing collaboration between Korea and the EU on environmental governance and climate action within the maritime sector. The two partners had previously initiated a “green partnership” as part of the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, aiming to foster cooperation in areas like clean energy, biodiversity, and sustainable trade.
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Source: The Korea Times
