Korea And Australia Launch Feasibility Study For 2029 Green Shipping Route

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea has announced the launch of a feasibility study for creating a green shipping route between Korea and Australia. The initiative marks a significant move toward zero-carbon maritime logistics by 2029, aiming to integrate eco-friendly fuels and sustainable shipping technologies across selected trade routes.

What is a Green Shipping Route?

A green shipping route is designed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions during maritime transport. This is achieved by using low- or zero-carbon fuels, such as hydrogen or ammonia, alongside eco-friendly vessel technologies. The study will assess the viability of such a route connecting ports in Korea and Australia, with the long-term goal of making green shipping a commercial reality.

Feasibility Study Scope and Key Tasks

The feasibility study will comprehensively examine several critical areas, including:

• Eco-friendly fuel supply chains between the two countries

• Import-export cargo demand trends by port

• Port infrastructure readiness for alternative fuel handling

• Evaluation of suitable vessel types for green operation

These evaluations will help identify the optimal route, both in terms of logistics efficiency and environmental sustainability. Once complete, the study will lead to the formulation of a green shipping roadmap.

A Collaborative Effort Towards 2029 Operations

This study is the first action step following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Korea and Australia in February 2025. The two nations have already collaborated on laying out the study framework. The next phase involves onboarding private companies and research institutions to begin detailed assessments, with results expected by mid-2026.

Minister Kang Do-hyung emphasized the importance of Australia’s role as a reliable clean energy supplier, highlighting the mutual benefits of this green shipping corridor and the goal to commence operations by 2029.

The Korea-Australia green shipping route project represents a vital step in regional maritime decarbonization. With collaborative research, governmental backing, and industry participation, the two countries aim to pave the way for sustainable ocean logistics, setting a global example for zero-carbon shipping by the end of this decade.