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Regulations on Imported Ships Have Changed
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits3
  • Date2024-03-21 15:32:33
  • ContentRegulations on Imported Ships Have Changed - Beginning in 2025, Korea will strengthen regulations on NOx emissions, requiring all imported ships to be equipped with NOx control engines. - KOMSA is actively promoting the implementation of these regulations in the ocean-going fishing vessel industry and enhancing the ship survey procedures within the organization. In compliance with the Marine Environment Management Act, all imported ships are now subject to regulations on NOx emissions. Shipping companies, which typically take six months to prepare for ship imports, are now bound to consider these increasingly stringent regulations. On February 29, KOMSA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, began disseminating information concerning the enhancement of the regulations on imported ships regarding NOx emissions to the relevant organizations and industries. Purchasing ships for imports takes at least six months from searching for the appropriate ship that suits the purpose of a company, to negotiating and signing the contract. To address this, KOMSA is actively notifying related industries and organizations to prevent potential importers from experiencing time and economic loss. Within the organization, KOMSA is improving the procedures regarding ship surveys in line with newly enhanced survey standards. Based on the Marine Environment Management Act, the organization surveys the air pollution control equipment of ship diesel engines, which is part of the survey on marine pollution control equipment. KOMSA emphasized that starting 2025, imported ships not equipped with diesel engines that prevent NOx emissions will be prohibited from operating in the territorial waters of the Republic of Korea. With the introduction of this system, all ships imported from January 1, 2025, must be equipped with diesel engines that meet the criteria of Tier 1 and Tier 2 specified in the table below. To advance these efforts, in 2030, all imported ships must have diesel engines meeting the criteria of Tier 2. [Table] Permitted NOx Emission Standards for Ships NOx, an air pollutants emitted from ships, has been designated as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the WHO. Regulations on NOx emissions tend to become stringent globally as they cause not only fine dust but also stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, and respiratory diseases. Domestic regulations on NOx are based on the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) stipulated by IMO in 1997. Korea incorporated this international convention into the Marine Environment Management Act in 2006. However, ships imported before 2006 were not subject to these regulations. "Tasks other than ship survey, which is the primary work of KOMSA, are equally important for minimizing potential damages and maximizing the convenience of the public by promoting changes in relevant regulations and policies," said President Jun-Seok KIM of KOMSA. He added that KOMSA will work closely with the government to proactively engage in a variety of activities, reflecting policies in the field.
Small Fishing Boats Under 2 GT Are Now Eligible for Remote Surveys
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits17
  • Date2024-02-29 14:53:34
  • ContentSmall Fishing Boats Under 2 GT Are Now Eligible for Remote Surveys In cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority announced its plan to implement remote surveys for small fishing vessels under 2GT, starting January 3. Remote surveys provide the same validity as the surveys conducted on site since surveyors and ship owners utilize remote video conferencing equipment during ship surveys. For maritime safety, fishing vessels should go through periodical surveys, which are difficult for ship owners living on islands and in isolated areas to conduct on time due to severe weather events. This change will bring more convenience to those ships requiring surveys immediately or to fishing boats navigating long distances. Fishing boats under 2 GT account for 40% of the 64,000 domestic fishing boats. Fishing boats under 2GT equipped with an outboard motor are now eligible for a remote survey on the occasion of their periodical survey at 5-year intervals. Remote surveys are conducted via remote video conferencing equipment between surveyors and ship owners in the Smart Ship Safety Support Centers and other branch offices. Before the implementation of remote surveys, KOMSA worked closely with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to identify and enhance areas of improvement by piloting the remote surveys on-site. Implementing the remote survey system is anticipated to facilitate survey processes, such as shortening the time taken in surveying ships, and increasing profits by up to 20.3 billion KRW within 5 years in the fisheries sector. President Jun-Seok KIM of KOMSA emphasized, "Remote surveys will facilitate the survey process and bring more convenience to ship owners." He also stated that KOMSA, in cooperation with the Korean government, will strive to ensure the safety of fishing vessels and enhance related systems for people working in the fisheries sector.
KOMSA is at the Forefront of Supplying Green Ships
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits11
  • Date2024-02-26 14:34:29
  • ContentKomsa is at the Forefront of Supplying Green Ships - Domestic coastal ship companies will be provided with subsidies covering 30% of subsidies of shipbuilding costs for ships with Level 3 green certification. - KOMSA plans to provide seven ships, worth 14 billion KRW, and is receiving applications by March 29 from companies willing to take part. To support the shipbuilding of domestic green ships, KOMSA is currently receiving applications from companies that are willing to be part of the “Certified Green Ship Supply Support Project” by March 29. The “Certified Green Ship Supply Project” has been promoted since 2021 to encourage domestic coastal ship companies to adopt green ships. Through this supply project, shipbuilders constructing government-certified ships can receive up to 30% in subsidies of the ship price. A total of 14 ships have been provided with subsidies, and seven ships are planned to receive 14 billion worth of subsidies this year. Coastal ship companies are eligible to apply for subsidies when they order Level 3 certified green ships, such as electric or LNG-powered ships. Once selected, shipbuilders will receive subsidies ranging from 10% to 30% (or up to 50 billion KRW). Starting this year, shipbuilders constructing green ships are eligible for an acquisition tax exemption; Level 1 ships will receive 2%, and Level 2 and 3 ships will receive 1.5% and 1%, respectively. This means that 10 billion KRW-worth green ships certified with Level 1 are eligible to receive up to 30% or 3 billion KRW in subsidies. After completing ship construction, they will receive a 2% acquisition tax exemption, worth 200 million KRW. Using green fuels also helps companies reduce hip fuel consumption, which in turn saves fuel costs. Further improvements are underway; since July 2023, to alleviate the burden on shipbuilders, subsidies are provided in the early stages of ship construction based on process rates. Up to 10 billion worth of subsidies are now available for ships equipped with government-designated key technologies, like LNG-stowage cargo and fuel tanks, and for ships using Korea-patented green fuel engines. Due to prolonged high inflation, interest, and rising ship prices, small companies have been struggling to build green ships. To address this, KOMSA is planning to collaborate with the financial sector to offer benefits, such as increased mortgage loan limits and lower loan rates for green ships to small shipping companies. The organization also provides presentations and customized one-on-one consulting services to coastal shipping companies interested in building green ships. Information on the “Certified Green Ship Supply Support Project,” including the eligibility requirements, application process, and selection criteria, can be found in the posting titled “The 2024 Certified Green Ship Supply Support Project Notice” on the website of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and KOMSA. President Jun-Seok KIM of KOMSA stated, “In cooperation with the Korean government, KOMSA will successfully promote the green ship supply support project to preemptively respond to international decarbonization regulations.” He added that along with providing subsidies, KOMSA is promoting a variety of projects, such as researching technologies for green ships for small and medium-sized shipbuilders, to further decarbonization in shipping.
Fishing Vessels Under 10 GT Are Now Eligible for Non-overhaul Precision Inspections
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits23
  • Date2024-01-25 11:29:40
  • ContentFishing Vessels Under 10 GT Are Now Eligible for Non-overhaul Precision Inspection - Fishing vessels under 10GT, making up about 90% of the domestic fishing vessels, are now subject to non-overhaul precision inspections, improving the convenience of fishermen. - The amended Enforcement Rule of the Fishing Vessels Act was promulgated on the 18th of December 2023. Non-overhaul precision inspections*, which were previously limited to high-speed engines of fishing vessels under 5GT, are now extended to those under 10 GT. Given that roughly 90% of fishing vessels in Korea fall under this category, expanding the scope of the inspections is expected to bring positive effects on the fisheries sector. *Non-overhaul precision inspection: This inspection method allows surveyors to examine engines without disassembling them. In collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), KOMSA announced the amended Public Notice on the amended Guidelines for High-Speed Engine Inspections of Fishing Vessels on December 18, 2023. Fishing vessels undergo comprehensive overhaul precision inspections of their entire engines every eight to 10 years, depending on their size. However, small-scale fishers have raised their concerns about the previous system. The previous overhaul inspections can take up to seven days and cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of USD, resulting in significant losses due to halted fishing activities. Since 2021, MOF and KOMSA have successfully conducted non-overhaul precision inspections for fishing vessels under 5 GT and planned to extend this to vessels under 10 GT, considering improvements in engine durability due to advancements in production and inspection technologies. With the newly required non-overhaul precision inspections* every 5 years, fishing vessels under 10 GT are now exempt from overhaul precision inspections previously mandated every 10 years. Those wishing to carry out non-overhauling precision inspections should submit a detailed inspection plan, including the methods and standards, in advance. *Types of tests in non-overhaul precision inspections include endoscope checks of combustion chambers, pressure measurement, fuel consumption, and gas leak inspections Before amending the Public Notice, MOF and KOMSA have been organizing expert group meetings with engine manufacturers, academia, and research institutions, making the inspection system more acceptable. KOMSA has seen notable benefits, such as the prevention of maritime accidents and increased convenience for fishermen, following the analysis of accidents involving 168 fishing vessels that underwent non-overhaul precision inspections in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, a significant cost saving is anticipated, with an estimated 70 million USD over the next decade due to the eased regulations on overhaul inspections for high-speed engines. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA expressed optimism about the future of ship inspection, stating "The expansion of non-overhaul precision inspection is a step forward in adapting to advanced ship survey and inspection technologies.’ He added, “Looking ahead, KOMSA will closely cooperate with the Korean government to ensure the safety of fishing vessels while refining the existing systems.
Korea’s First Diagnostic Device for Eco-Friendly Electric-Powered Ships Is Developed by KOMSA
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits16
  • Date2024-01-19 10:59:53
  • Content Korea's First Diagnostic Device for Eco-Friendly Electric-Powered Ships Is Developed by KOMSA With portable diagnostic devices, the electrical propulsion systems in eco-friendly ships can be quickly and efficiently diagnosed in 10 minutes. On the 12th of January, KOMSA announced that it had completed the development of a diagnostic device for electric-powered ships invented for a first in Korea. This new device enables surveyors to automatically diagnose the status of electrical propulsion systems, such as batteries and power converters, in about 10 minutes. Currently, the number of electric-powered ships subjected to KOMSA ship inspections is around 30, showing a consistent increase over the past three years. *Number of electric-powered ships to be inspected 1 (2020) → 3 (2021) → 8 (2022) → 18 (2023) Inspecting electric-powered ships has been challenging due to the nature of the electrical propulsion systems. Unlike combustion engines, these systems operate by transmitting electronic signals, making them difficult to diagnose with visual inspections. "In the private sector, there have been difficulties in developing a standardized interface equipped with methods for defining and storing essential data to align with electric-powered ship inspection standards," KOMSA stated. The organization added, "There has not been a single diagnostic device or standardized interface enabling electric-powered ship diagnosis domestically or globally, and that's why KOMSA decided to develop one." In 2022, KOMSA completed the development of the eco-friendly electric-powered ship diagnostic device hardware. Throughout 2023, the organization focused on developing a standardized interface and portable diagnostic devices that meet the standards of eco-friendly electric-powered ships. Currently, it is verifying the interface along with the device. The diagnostic device equipped with a standardized interface provides access to the energy management system of electric-powered ships, automatically diagnosing and quantifying the results of the 169 inspection standard items, including battery status, in about 10 minutes. Additionally, the device was developed to be portable, enhancing its usability for on-site inspections. KOMSA plans to provide 34 diagnostic devices to its regional offices and electric propulsion system manufacturers, aiming to refine the quality of the device through pilot testing, industry feedback, reliability verification, and improvements in the first half of 2024. In collaboration with relevant authorities, including the Korea Coast Guard, the organization is dedicated to improving the system to utilize the diagnostic device for electric-powered leisure water crafts. Looking ahead, KOMSA is preparing to enhance maritime digital information usage by building big data through eco-friendly electric-powered ship diagnostic devices in the long term. Jun-Seok KIM, President of KOMSA, emphasizes the significance of utilizing the diagnostic device, saying, "I truly hope that the development of the interface and the diagnostic device for eco-friendly electric-powered ships, developed by KOMSA, contributes to a safer and greener shipbuilding industry."
The Electronic Certificate Information System Is Ready To Use
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits22
  • Date2023-12-21 13:41:54
  • Content The Electronic Certificate Information System Is Fully Launched and Ready To Use KOMSA has been piloting ECIS until the end of 2023, aiming to address difficulties in reissuing current paper-based certificates. Starting in 2024, ship owners will be able to issue their certificates related to ship surveys in an electronic form with ease, streamlining the issuance process and alleviating the inconvenience of using paper form. On Dec 7th, KOMSA announced its plan to provide the electronic certificate issuance service. By the end of 2023, the service is being piloted and set to be fully launched in 2024. As part of the organization's efforts in providing the service, a dedicated website* for the Electronic Certificate Information System (ECIS) has been established. *Click the link to access the ECIS of KOMSA: https://ecis.komsa.or.kr/index.do Certificates have transitioned from paper-based to electronic-based, retaining the same legal effect* as the existing paper certificates. In the electronic certificates, information like unique identification numbers, electronic signatures, and QR codes for checking validity can be found. The establishment of a dedicated website has created a unified system where users can access services, such as issuing and managing certificates, and conducting validity checks, thus enhancing user convenience while reducing administrative costs. Now, ship owners can issue their certificates on the same day, a process that previously took around three to four days. Reissuing the certificates has become simpler. A mobile app service is set to be launched in the upcoming January. * Electronic certificates, developed in compliance with the 'Digital Signature Act' Article 2 Paragraph 2, are legally effective electronic copies. KOMSA has received numerous complaints about existing paper certificates being inconvenient since they are easily damaged and hard to reissue when lost. Increasing access to the system has become vital due to the aging population in the fisheries industry. KOMSA stated, "There were many cases where some fishers in older generations had to pay fines for sailing with damaged certificates or without certificates displayed." The average number of ship survey certificates, including those of fishing boats, is approximately 100,000. By the end of this year, KOMSA plans to pilot the electronic certificate issuance service for ship surveys in the 18 branches nationwide and to advance the quality of its service. To increase the issuance rates of the electronic copies, branches are now holding an event, offering promotional merchandise to the first visitor to issue the electronic copy. Electronic certificates are now available on the ECIS website; ship owners can issue their electronic certificates after verifying their identification with corporate registration numbers. The ECIS mobile app will be available to download in the Play Store for Android and App Store for Apple for free. Beginning next year, KOMSA plans to further increase the convenience and accessibility of the service by integrating it with Kakaotalk, a widely-used messenger service. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA highlighted, "With ECIS, we look forward to bringing a groundbreaking improvement in user experiences and minimizing social costs." "Going forward, KOMSA will continue to enhance the quality of ship surveys in various aspects," he added.
KOMSA Releases Ship Emission Treatment System Patent for Public Use
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits11
  • Date2023-11-22 16:50:16
  • Content KOMSA Releases Ship Emission Treatment System Patent for Public Use KOMSA has entered into an agreement with a private company for the free transfer of patented technology related to emission treatment systems and operational methods for ships. This agreement aims to foster mutual growth in the public and private sectors, enhancing expertise and competition in the shipbuilding and maritime industries. With the agreement, the private company will be exempt from paying royalties for using this patented technology. In October 2022, KOMSA obtained a patent for its “emission treatment system and operation method” from the Korea Intellectual Property Office (Patent no. 10-2450817). Utilizing this technology, KOMSA developed the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which reduces particulate matter emissions from ships by up to 90%. This innovation is part of KOMSA's initiative to retrofit public-owned ships into environmentally friendly vessels, aligning with the 2030 state- or public-owned ship transition plan initiated in October 2019. In line with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance’s strategy to strengthen public-private cooperation, KOMSA has listed its patented “emission treatment system and operation method” on the IP-Market website (www.ipmarket.or.kr), and accepting applications for the patent’s use. This platform promotes the use of state-owned intellectual property. KOMSA's contributions to the maritime sector extend beyond this agreement. Over the past decade, 9 R&D projects have yielded significant outcomes. In particular, the K-Ship program, launched in 2019 for ship design of small and medium-sized shipbuilders, has helped in calculating ships’ stability. Jun-Seok Kim, CEO of KOMSA, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting companies in commercializing and industrializing R&D outcomes and patented technologies. “We aim to build a strong foundation for the private shipbuilding and maritime sectors to advance significantly,” he stated.
KOMSA Harnesses Advanced Technologies to Enhance Passenger Ship Safety Management
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits9
  • Date2023-11-08 13:56:51
  • Content KOMSA Harnesses Advanced Technologies to Enhance Passenger Ship Safety Management KOMSA's drones are identifying risks on sea routes, reflecting the organization's consistent adoption of 4th Industrial Revolution technologies. An operation manager at KOMSA is using a drone to conduct a safety inspection for a passenger ship KOMSA is enhancing passenger ship safety management by implementing advanced technologies such as drones and intelligent surveillance cameras. This initiative not only strengthens safety but also boosts efficiency in the rapidly evolving maritime safety scheme. The organization’s effort to advance safety management for coastal passenger ships began in 2020, leading to the adoption of 17 drones in 10 operation management centers nationwide. Initiated in 2022, KOMSA utilizes drones for the safety operation management monitoring system to monitor 132 passenger ships and 89 sea routes in Korea. This system aids in identifying hard-to-spot risks from the sky and eliminating blind spots during ships’ movements, from arrivals and departures to ship inspections. Fostering in-house drone operation expertise is also part of KOMSA’s effort. Currently, 149 ship operators are licensed in drone-related operations, with 14% holding Class 1 drone pilot licenses and being certified as trainers. AI technology also plays a crucial role in improving passenger ship safety monitoring. Intelligent surveillance cameras, specialized for ships, have been installed in 23 ports across 4 regions, including Mokpo, Incheon, Wando, and Gunsan. These cameras can automatically track ships in real time and monitor marine weather conditions. The system alerts KOMSA headquarters of any detected human or ship presence in danger zones or expected crowds in ports, enabling a swift response. This technology even allows for the observation of swell waves 1.5 km away from ports, previously undetectable with the naked eye. Well-devised strategies are always based on data analysis. KOMSA reviewed maritime accident data from the Korean Maritime Safety Tribunal for the first half of 2023; the review showed a 40.8% increase in incidents involving floating objects compared to the same period in 2022. In light of this, KOMSA is developing various strategies to identify and mitigate risks and reduce maritime accidents. By 2026, intelligent surveillance cameras are expected to be installed at 60 ports in nine regions nationwide. “During the second half of 2023, KOMSA will focus on eliminating risks like floating objects on sea routes in collaboration with related authorities,” stated Jun-Seok Kim, CEO of KOMSA. He added, “We will continue to analyze risks scientifically and embrace 4th Industrial Revolution technologies for comprehensive on-site safety management.”
KOMSA Introduces the MTIS Mobile App for Enhanced Maritime Information Sharing
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits24
  • Date2023-10-27 11:01:44
  • Content KOMSA Introduces the MTIS Mobile App for Enhanced Maritime Information Sharing The Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS) is now available on Google Play Store, One Store, and the App Store, beginning on September 1st, 2023. Originally launched as a web-based system for PC users, the MTIS has provided analysis of maritime accidents and real-time ship information to passengers. For better accessibility and user convenience, KOMSA has developed a mobile application by utilizing its experiences with the web-based MTIS. The mobile app version of the MTIS presents maritime accident data through infographics, graphs, and maps for better understanding. It offers an extensive array of information related to maritime accidents, including types and characteristics of ships, accidents, timing, and accident rates. On top of this, it is equipped with the Geographic Information System (GIS)-based maritime accident analysis, allowing users to view accident statistics by sea areas and specific time frames. The Passenger Ship Transportation Information Service (PATIS), which provides real-time ship information, is also integrated into the MTIS. With PATIS, users have access to diverse information, including ship operating schedules, real-time ship tracking, ship route information, and weather updates. The app also allows users to set notifications for desired routes, alerting them one, three, and five hours before departure. It even immediately notifies passengers when the departure of a passenger ship is canceled due to weather warnings. The MTIS mobile app is free for all users and does not require signups for its usage. Android users can download the app on Google Play Store and One Store, while Apple users can find it from the App Store. (*Please note that the MTIS app is currently only available in the Korean language.) The MTIS app offers five main features. The PATIS and maritime accident statistics, frequently used among the public, are already in operation. The other three features intended mainly for crews— accident risk alerts, traffic congestion updates, and ship management—will be launched in November 2023 after further development. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA said, "Through this advancement in the maritime transportation safety information system, we, as an agency overseeing maritime safety, are expanding our areas of business and capabilities." "I hope the MTIS mobile app offers a breakthrough for both the public and the oceans and fisheries sector in preventing maritime accidents,” he added.
KOMSA Enhances Sea Safety with Data Cooperation on Maritime Accidents
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits37
  • Date2023-10-11 10:42:59
  • Content KOMSA Enhances Sea Safety with Data Cooperation on Maritime Accidents President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA, left, and Commissioner Yong-Seok Kang of KMST, right, pose for a photo after signing the MoU on August 10th, 2023. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was established between the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) and the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal (KMST) with the aim of strengthening cooperation in maritime accident prevention through the use of accident-related data. The MoU encompasses several domains for cooperation: enhancing maritime accident statistics sharing, analysis and usage of accident data, and conducting seminars on maritime accident prevention. Through this MoU, both KOMSA and KMST are planning to ramp up their efforts in taking advantage of maritime accident data and disseminating the related knowledge. This MoU will also further KOMSA's capabilities in utilizing the Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS)*. *The Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS) provides crucial maritime accident-related information, such as statistics, analysis, and forecasts. President Kim of KOMSA said, "This MoU not only advances the prevention of maritime accidents but also elevates the caliber of maritime accident information services available to the public." "The combined expertise of KOMSA and KMST will generate a synergy, aiming to make our sea routes the safest," he added. This collaboration is not new; KOMSA and KMST's first partnership began in 2012. Their initiatives included sharing maritime accident and safety data, assisting accident investigations, and providing consultation on tribunal cases. When KOMSA was appointed to oversee passenger ship safety in July 2015, the MoU was renewed with a focus on this area. Through these efforts, KOMSA and KMST have unveiled initiatives like a ship information system for fishing vessel accident investigations, enhanced ship survey systems based on accident data, and safety training resources for fishermen and coastal ship crews.