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KOMSA Provides Technical Support Tailored to the Needs of Small and Medium-Sized Vessel Equipment Companies to Help Them Expand Export Markets

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
Hits28
Date2025-06-25 10:53:36
ContentKOMSA Provides Technical Support Tailored to the Needs of Small and Medium-Sized Vessel Equipment Companies to Help Them Expand Export Markets - Ship cranes found their way toward the Japanese and New Zealand markets thanks to KOMSA’s backing covering inspection, translation, and consultation. - KOMSA plans to offer assistance to small and medium-sized companies making an entry into Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia by accepting applications through the Corporate Growth Response Center. The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA, President Jun-Seok Kim) is accelerating its efforts in providing “customized technical support” to secure the global competitiveness of domestic small and medium-sized vessel equipment companies. Based on its inspection expertise and technology research capabilities, KOMSA helps lower barriers to exports and makes a significant contribution to exploring new overseas markets with free-of-charge technical support centered around the needs on the ground. The institution recently conducted safety conformity inspections of 20 ship cranes and reviewed their technologies in order to help “Hiab Korea Ltd”, a crane manufacturer located in Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, with the company’s exports to Japan and New Zealand. The products that the company will export include various sizes of ship cranes ranging from 1.2-ton to 40-ton cranes, amounting to about USD 900,000 in total exports. While the crane manufacturer is making inroads into the vessel equipment sector on the basis of its existing land-based crane technologies, the stride it made in its exports this time is viewed as the foundation for making an entry into overseas markets and increasing sales. KOMSA offered comprehensive technical support encompassing consultations on technology contracts and translations of technology documents as well as safety performance verification, which was given for free to minimize the burden of small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, the institution continues to provide technical support for “Hansung Gen Tech”, a producer of maritime generators, located in Daegu also this year following last year. Over the past year, KOMSA contributed to reaching the deal of exporting maritime generators to Vietnam by helping with the review of the quality and performance of seven generators and the issuance of certificates written in English. The deal was worth USD 300,000 in total. This year, based on that achievement, it plans to offer tailored technical and management consultations to expand export to the Southeast Asian region including Indonesia. From late June, two maritime transmission producers will receive technical support for foreign export from KOMSA. These two companies made an application via the Corporate Growth Response Center at the institution’s official website. These businesses are promoting exports to overseas markets such as Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. KOMSA will incrementally provide comprehensive support encompassing the analysis of the latest technology trends, technical consultations, and responses to the regulations of each foreign market. In particular, as technology standards for maritime transmissions differ from country to country, technology verification is necessary. Therefore, KOMSA’s pre-technology review and consultations are expected to play an important role in the foreign market entry of Korean small and medium-sized vessel equipment manufacturers. Businesses that want to participate in the institution’s “overseas export support program” for small and medium-sized companies, can make an application through KOMSA’s local branch offices and the “Corporate Growth Response Center*” at its official website. * The link to the online application: https://www.komsa.or.kr/bbs/BBSMSTR_000000001101/list.do Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA noted “KOMSA will strengthen our efforts to provide technical support tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized vessel equipment manufacturers so that they can secure technological competitiveness in overseas markets in accordance with the new administration’s policy direction of helping small and medium-sized businesses expand their exports and export destinations.” “Going forward, we will take the lead in establishing the export ecosystem in the maritime industry through win-win cooperation with SMEs,” he added. <Caption> On June 10, at KOMSA’s Boryeong branch office, its employee conducts load testing of a maritime crane for export produced by “Hiab Korea Ltd”, a crane manufacturer, located in Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do <Caption> On June 10, a surveyor of KOMSA’s Boryeong branch office checks multiple specifications of maritime cranes with an employee of “Hiab Korea Ltd”, a crane manufacturer, located in Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do <Caption> On June 16, employees of KOMSA take a group photo with employees of “Hiab Korea Ltd”, a crane manufacturer, located in Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do after delivering the first safety certificate of maritime cranes for export

KOMSA Does Its Utmost to Provide Life-Saving On-Site Support Swiftly in Its Effort to Enhance the Safety and Health of Fishers

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
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Date2025-06-11 15:06:34
ContentKOMSA Does Its Utmost to Provide Life-Saving On-Site Support Swiftly in Its Effort to Enhance the Safety and Health of Fishers - Enforcing laws is not enough; fishing vessel safety must be kept despite limited tools and resources. - KOMSA plays an important role in assisting fishing vessel safety inspectors with on-site risk assessment and developing digital services. On May 30, the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA, President Jun-Seok Kim) announced that the institution was actively supporting the site inspections of fishing vessel safety inspectors* and enhancing its efforts to create a healthy working environment in the fisheries sector to protect the life and safety of fishermen. * According to Article 44 of the “Act on Safe Fishing Operations of Fishing Vessels”, fishing vessel safety inspectors belong to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. They are professionals who inspect and oversee the site to ensure safety and health on fishing vessels. They assess essential safety elements in the field including life-saving apparatus, fire extinguishing equipment, safety and health signs, and regular education. This is the measure that is in line with reinforced duties of protecting the safety and health of fishers as the amendment of the “Act on Fishing Vessel Safety Operations and Fishers’ Safety and Health Promotion for the improvement of the safety and health environment for fishers” (the Act on Safe Fishing Operations of Fishing Vessels) was put in force from 2025 and the application of the “Serious Accidents Punishment Act” was expanded. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries promotes safety and health policies to enhance on-the-ground safety in the fisheries sector, prevent accidents, and protect fishers through the fishing vessel safety inspection system. However, just ten fishing vessel safety inspectors are performing their duties across the country. Currently, among vessels with more than five registered crew members, those engaged in fishery activities with a report to departure amount to over 5,000. Many have been pointing out that there are limits to responding to issues on the ground with the previous system alone. There have been continuous problems such as delays in inspections and fishermen’s having difficulty embracing the system. Against this backdrop, KOMSA is providing on-site support for the inspectors’ “specialized inspection of risk assessment*” by dispatching its employees dedicated to fishers’ safety and health to major and small ports in the country. * Specialized inspection of risk assessment is an activity for systemically identifying the multiple risk factors of fishing vessels and preventing them. Considering limited tools and resources, fishing vessels found to be at the highest and high risk of accidents based on the latest maritime accident statistics were first selected. A major checklist of risk factors is crucial elements regarding safety such as the condition of life-saving apparatus and fire extinguishing equipment, the use of safety and health signs, the display of essential documents, and the completion of regular education. Over the past month, KOMSA first inspected about 200 fishing vessels in areas including Incheon, Boryeong, Mokpo, Busan, Pohang, Sokcho, and Jeju by assisting fishing vessel safety inspectors designated by the government. This time, the institution’s “specialized inspection of risk assessment” focuses on helping fishermen understand laws and legislations and voluntarily abide by them not forcefully implementing them. In particular, KOMSA is expanding various support projects to ensure that fishermen themselves build their own safety and health systems. Early this month, KOMSA distributed the completely revised edition of the “Safety Guide to Preventing Occupational Accidents for fishermen*”. In addition, the institution plans to establish KakaoTalk Chatbot-based “Digital Risk Assessment System” by the end of this year. If this system is launched, fishermen can use their mobile phones to assess risk with ease by themselves. * The Safety Guide to Preventing Occupational Accidents for fishermen was a manual tailored for the fisheries industry. It was revised based on the analysis of the characteristics of workplaces on fishing vessels and 30 risk factors by sector such as coastal net fishing and coastal gill nets. It is available on KOMSA’s website, www.komsa.or.kr. Next month, the institution will produce and distribute 80,000 “fishing vessel safety and health sign” stickers that should be attached to fishing vessels in accordance with the Act on Safe Fishing Operations of Fishing Vessels. Reflecting feedback from the field, KOMSA improved this sign so that it can be seen from a distance and used for a long period. Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA stated “Securing a safe and healthy working environment for fishermen is an important task not only for protecting the life and property of fishermen but also for promoting sustainable development of the fishing industry.” “KOMSA will not sit idle and do nothing for the limited tools and resources but we will do all we can as a bridge between the government and the field and a leading agency in building a safety and health system for fishermen”, he added. <Caption> An employee of KOMSA dedicated to vessel safety and health assists the fishing vessel safety inspector of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries with specialized inspection of risk assessment <Caption> A KakaoTalk Chatbot-based “digital risk assessment system”, which is being developed by KOMSA <Caption> The cover of Safety Guide to Preventing Occupational Accidents for fishermen (on the left) The fishing vessel safety and health sign, the identifiability and durability of which are being tested by KOMSA (on the right)

Reinforcing Small and Medium-Sized Vessel Stability in the Design Phase: Upgrade the “K-SHIP Program”

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
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Date2025-05-20 16:55:49
ContentReinforcing Small and Medium-Sized Vessel Stability in the Design Phase: Upgrade the “K-SHIP Program” - The amendment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea was applied in Korea. Therefore, if a vessel is damaged, a thorough assessment will be carried out to check the damage including possible water ingress and others. - KOMSA will use the “K-SHIP Program” to review fishing vessel and passenger ship designs, which is expected to improve the capability to respond to accidents such as sinking and capsizing. On May 14, the Korean Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA, President Jun-Seok Kim) revealed that it will revamp the “K-SHIP Program”, stability* assessment software, to align the Program with new international standards. * Stability is the ability of a vessel to return to its upright position after being heeled over by external forces such as waves, wind or other forces. This program is the software to assess the stability of small and medium-sized vessels such as fishing vessels and passenger ships operating in the coastal sea. KOMSA developed the “K-SHIP Program” using its own technology in 2008, providing the software to about 40 organizations including small and medium-sized ship design companies and universities. KOMSA decided to upgrade the software as the amendment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was applied to domestic laws. In particular, this upgrade will enable a thorough review of stability factors encompassing Transverse Center of Gravity (TCG)* in the design phase. * Transverse Center of Gravity (TCG) is a horizontal distance from the vessel’s center of breadth to its center of gravity Ensuring stability is an important part of preventing casualties in maritime accidents. The risk for accidents involving vessel sinking and capsizing is particularly growing as the environment related to fishing is changing due to worldwide extreme weather events. In fact, according to the Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS), over the past five years (2020 – 2024) sinking and capsizing accidents (754 vessels) caused by the loss of stability accounted for only 4.51% of the total domestic maritime accidents (16,731 vessels), however, the number of deaths and missing persons from those accidents accounted for 25% of the total. * The total number of deaths and missing persons from maritime accidents over the past five years (2020-2024): 603 people ** The total number of deaths and missing persons from capsizing and sinking accidents over the past five years (2020-2024): 151 people In this revamp, KOMSA will enhance the key elements necessary for stability calculation encompassing the development of a program using Transverse Center of Gravity (TCG) and a feature allowing to enter a limited angle of inclination** for the application of roll stability* standards factored in waves. In addition, it will use the current stability criteria to develop stability assessment programs for standard fishing vessels and barges operating on domestic coastal waters and international sea routes. * Roll refers to the level of tilting of the hull from side to side caused by waves, wind, and other forces. ** A limited angle of inclination means the largest angle at which a vessel can tilt without affecting the structure and safety of the hull when it tilts right and left from its upright position. KOMSA’s "K-SHIP Program" offers similar features to the major stability calculation programs* of foreign companies, while it is more cost-efficient than those programs worth over KRW 100 million as its price is around KRW 4 million. * Hydrostatics and Stability of NAPA, Finland and Maxsurf of Bentley System, the US Small and medium-sized ship design companies will be able to use the Program in the basic design phase, which can satisfy both domestic and foreign safety laws and legislations and also ensure stability. KOMSA plans to enhance the software such as user convenience by conducting a survey of the users of the “K-SHIP Program.” Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA stated, “Ensuring the stability of small and medium-sized vessels is an important factor directly related to the safety of crew members and passenger ship users.” “KOMSA will do our utmost to apply international safety standards effectively regarding the domestic situation to prevent maritime accidents,” he added. <Caption> An example explaining how to input data into the “K-SHIP Program” to review stability <Caption> The vessel surveyor of KOMSA’s Jungbu branch is assessing stability using the “K-SHIP Program”

Zero Major Coastal Passenger Ship Accidents for Ten Years in a Row: KOMSA Now Targets Safety and Health Management

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
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Date2025-05-20 15:43:46
ContentZero Major Coastal Passenger Ship Accidents for Ten Years in a Row KOMSA Now Targets Safety and Health Management - NO major passenger ship accidents have happened for ten years in a row since 2015, when KOMSA began taking charge of passenger ship operation management. - Through support in establishing a safety and health management system for coastal passenger ship companies, KOMSA promotes fundamental changes. On May 9, the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA, President Jun-Seok Kim) announced that KOMSA made a milestone in coastal passenger ship safety operation management as there have been no major coastal passenger ship accidents over the past ten years*, during which KOMSA was in charge of the task. * KOMSA has been performing the task from July 7, 2015, when the task was transferred from Korea Shipping Association (KSA) to KOMSA. Based on this achievement, KOMSA plans to focus on establishing the safety and health management system of coastal passenger ship operators. Coastal passenger ships are the sole public transportation means on the sea, and accidents involving these ships could lead to large casualties. In particular, coastal passenger ship companies are required to build a sophisticated safety and health management system following the expanded application of the “Serious Accidents Punishment Act*” from January 2024, and the “Standards for Safety and Health and Prevention of Accidents on Ship” implemented in January 2025. * In 2022, businesses with more than 50 employees were subject to the Act. → In 2024, it was expanded to those with more than five employees. Against this backdrop, KOMSA will support the establishment of a safety and health management system for coastal passenger ship operators with its accumulated expertise and field experiences in coastal passenger ship safety management to “make passenger and crew casualties zero.” Main strategies include helping the operators voluntarily build a safety and health management system; providing field-based support for passenger ships; proposing relevant policies; and lay the foundation for securing a budget. KOMSA plans to implement those strategies systemically according to a roadmap for each phase. * the current state of coastal passenger ship companies: 54 operators and 149 ships First of all, KOMSA will give assistance to coastal passenger ship companies so that they can voluntarily build a safety and health management system. Currently, about 48% of the companies are small businesses, making it harder to supervise them systematically. In addition, their isolated working environment increases the possibility of industrial disasters. Therefore, KOMSA, in cooperation with relevant agencies, will visit the operators directly to provide help and build an effective field-focused support system by providing standard consulting* applicable on the ground and guidebooks in e-book format. The project is scheduled to begin with the coastal passenger ship companies of subsidized ferry routes (six operators) and gradually expand to other operators for the successful establishment of a field-centered safety and health management system. * Standard consulting covers the safety management policies of passenger ship companies, and preparedness of procedures to check hazard and risk factors and deal with those factors In conjunction with consulting on the ground, KOMSA also plans to provide field-focused support for passenger ships in order to prevent accidents effectively. KOMSA is going to offer checklists* for the operators to help them avoid accidents on their own and items for safety and health such as safety helmets, safety shoes, and saline glucose to prevent disasters for crew members and protect their health. Its operation managers will visit the site in person to assist with inspection, helping to create a safer environment for passenger ship travel, in particular, during peak season, when the number of passengers increases. * With related manuals, KOMSA prepares checklists including safety management rules, dispatch of safety guards during the peak season of passenger ship travel and others. In addition, KOMSA will do its utmost to lay the foundation for regulations in establishing a safety and health management system so that it will not end up with a one-time effort. Through close cooperation with relevant agencies, KOMSA plans to focus on suggesting policies and securing a budget. It aims to turn related regulations and legislations based on the characteristics of passenger ship companies and its efforts of improving a support system into actual outcomes. Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA, noted, “We will not rest on our laurels after making our milestone of zero major passenger ship accidents but continue to build a more systematic and effective safety and health management system.” “Going forward, we will continuously fulfill our responsibility to earn public trust as a comprehensive maritime safety management institution,” he added. <Caption> The employee of KOMSA is offering safety and health training to crew members <Caption> The employee of KOMSA is conducting an on-site inspection for the prevention of passenger ship accidents <Caption> The employee of KOMSA is checking the emergency readiness of crew members <Caption> The employee of KOMSA is offering industrial disaster prevention education to crew members

Five Asia-Pacific Countries Gathered Wisdom to Modernize Fishing Vessels for the Future

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
Hits52
Date2025-05-07 17:41:45
ContentFive Asia-Pacific Countries Gathered Wisdom to Modernize Fishing Vessels for the Future - The countries discussed ways to modernize small-sized vessels in the Asia-Pacific region for the environment, productivity, industry development and safety. - KOMSA, as the fishing vessel inspection and research institution, led the discussion, making the first conference a great success. - The conference was held as the side event of the 10th OOC and the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting. On April 29, the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA, President Jun-Seok Kim) hosted “The First Conference on Strengthening Sustainable Growth and Resilience in Small-Scale Fisheries through Fishing Vessel Modernization” at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), Busan. The conference promoted by KOMSA in cooperation with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), was held as the side event of the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC)* and the 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting (AOMM)** hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. * The 10th OOC is a high-ranking international meeting where marine leaders around the world discuss issues and release pledges every year. This year, it was held in Busan from April 28 to 30 and 2,300 high-ranking government officials, international organization leaders and global NGO and corporate members from 100 countries attended to talk over action plans for marine future such as "sustainable fisheries." ** The 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting was held from April 30 to May 1 in Busan. The Republic of Korea assuming presidency for the first time in 20 years after 2005, was expected to create synergies with the OOC and strengthen its position as a leading maritime nation by resuming the ministerial meeting. More than 50 participants including government officials and fishing vessel experts of five Asia-Pacific countries including Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Timor-Leste had discussions about the ways to modernize fishing vessels encompassing promoting environmentally-friendly small-scale fisheries, reinforcing their competitiveness (productivity and industry development), and enhancing fuel efficiency and safety in the sector. This conference was held as a self-funded project* with the official approval of APEC since KOMSA’s “Data-driven Inspection of the Validity of Fishing Vessel Modernization” conducted in Timor-Leste last year was chosen as one of the best projects by APEC's Ocean and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG). *Self-funded projects are proceeded by a member state with the approval of APEC to perform activities aligned with the organization’s goals. KOMSA, the sole institution responsible for the inspection and research of fishing vessels, introduced the modernization model of Korean fishing vessels including the country’s fishing vessel modernization history, shipbuilding of eco-friendly HDPE (High-density polyethylene) fishing vessels and artificial intelligence (AI) fishing vessel design technologies. One of the participants said, “The conference was meaningful in that it helped realize the need for modernizing fishing vessels in coastal nations in Asia-Pacific where small-scale fisheries are active.” “I expect that this event can lead to actual future cooperation,” he added. Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA, stated, “Going forward, KOMSA together with the government, will provide support to help Korean fishing vessel modernization model become global standards and contribute to the development of small-scale fisheries in coastal states around the world.” <Caption> The First Conference on Strengthening Sustainable Growth and Resilience in Small-Scale Fisheries through Fishing Vessel Modernization held on April 29 at BEXCO, Busan <Caption> Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA, delivers the opening remarks on the conference <Caption> The employee of KOMSA, delivers his presentation on the conference <Caption> Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA, and other participants pose for the group photo shoot

IMO to Implement Standards on Carbon Content in Shipping Fuels from 2028 … Introduction of Carbon Levy

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
Hits36
Date2025-04-25 13:21:28
Content- Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) holds briefing session on reinforced Net-Zero regulations in shipping The International Maritime Organization (IMO), during the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) held from April 7th to 11th, decided on new measures to achieve carbon neutrality (Net Zero) in international shipping by around 2050. These measures will apply to ships of 5,000 gross tonnage or more and include: ▲ Implementation of a GHG Fuel Standard ", ▲Strengthening of the reduction targets under the existing "Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)"scheme. The "GHG Fuel Standard ," set to be fully implemented in 2028, will establish limits on the carbon content in fuels used by ships. Vessels exceeding these limits will be subject to carbon levies. The carbon content thresholds will become more stringent annually, ultimately aiming to achieve carbon neutrality. At this time, the carbon content levels are based on the commonly used ship fuels such as heavy fuel and marine diesel oil. From 2028 onward, these standards will be tightened every year. The carbon levy will be imposed in two tiers, depending on the excess greenhouse gas emissions: either $100 or $380 per ton. Ships using fuels with carbon content below the set standard will receive incentive units, known as Surplus Units (SU), from the IMO equivalent to the amount of reduced carbon emissions. Shipping companies can use these Surplus Units to offset their carbon levies. For example, they can reduce the levy burden of their other vessels or trade the units with other companies to generate revenue. Currently, ships running on petroleum based fuels are looking at blending them with biofuels as a response to the GHG Fuel Standard However, to avoid paying carbon levies starting in 2028, companies will need to use a higher proportion of more expensive biofuels over petroleum fuels. As a result, the shipping industry is expected to prioritize analyzing and comparing fuel costs and carbon levies to formulate competitive strategies. Additionally, MEPC 83 decided to strengthen the standards for the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating*, which has been in effect since 2023. The current annual 2% increase in target levels will be raised to 2.625% starting in 2027. By 2030, the standard will have more than doubled compared to 2025 levels. * Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) – Definition: A metric calculated using real world operational data that indicates the amount of CO₂ emitted to transport 1 ton of cargo over 1 nautical mile. – Rating: Graded from A to E based on IMO standards. – Restrictions: Vessels rated E, or rated D for three consecutive years, must formulate a corrective action plan approved by the relevant administration. Failure to do so may result in operational restrictions. Meanwhile, at the "2025's First Half Marine Environment Policy Briefing" held on Thursday, April 17th at BEXCO in Busan hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister Kang Do Hyung) and organized by KOMSA (President Kim Jun Seok) the outcomes of the IMO’s MEPC 83 were promptly shared with stakeholders in Korea’s shipping and shipbuilding industries. President Kim Jun Seok of KOMSA stated, “The introduction of IMO’s carbon levy is expected to increase interest and demand for eco-friendly ships. KOMSA, in collaboration with the government, will continue its efforts to develop and provide eco-friendly vessels, while also expanding cooperation with private financial institutions to create green financial products for converting small and medium sized coastal ships to cleaner alternatives.” <Caption> 2025’ s First Half Marine Environment Policy Briefing” held on April 17th at BEXCO, Busan [Caption] IMO’s 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) held from April 7th to 11th [Caption] Regulatory targets for Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) and carbon pricing for ship

KOMSA Launches Full Scale Administrative Innovation through Generative AI Training

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
Hits35
Date2025-04-08 17:55:55
Content- KOMSA to Provide Tiered Training on Generative AI use for Employees - Laying the Foundation for Digital Transformation of Administrative Services Using Generative AI The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), led by CEO Kim Jun-Seok, will conduct the practical AI competency training course in May and June to enhance AI capabilities and work efficiency. Approximately 100 employees from KOMSA headquarter's involved in ship inspection, passenger ship operation management services, and maritime safety R&D will participate in the training. Prior to the training, KOMSA conducted a pre-training survey to assess participants' experience with generative AI. The results showed that about 90% of respondents had experience using generative AI, and approximately 70% expected to improve in data analysis, visualization, automation of tasks, and creative report generation using generative AI. In response, KOMSA plans to actively develop digital administrative services through the integration of generative AI. Currently, KOMSA is in the early stages of applying AI technology to projects such as ▲Big data analysis of maritime accidents and sea traffic forecasting using the Maritime Traffic Information System (MTIS) ▲24 hour customer service via Haesooho Chatbot * ▲Safe operation management of coastal passenger ships using intelligent CCTVs** and drones*** * Since its launch in last year December , the chatbot has surpassed 6,000 users. ** An AI powered system that automatically detects vessels and tracks their arrival, departure, and movement in real time. *** Aerial drones are used for 3D mapping to digitize the docking environment of passenger ships, identifying potential navigational hazards to prevent groundings or obstacles to safe navigation These initiatives represent the analytical AI phase, where data is collected and analyzed to identify patterns and derive actionable insights for practical use. Going forward, KOMSA plans to go beyond analytical AI and lay the groundwork for the digital transformation of administrative services by incorporating generative AI technologies. Furthermore, to support employees in applying AI in their work, a “Digital Transformation (DX) Learning Club” will be established, and an internal hackathon* contest highlighting best practices will also be held. * A combination of "hacking" and "marathon," a hackathon is a time limited competition to mature solutions or serv ices based on a certain theme. Moreover, digital literacy training will be offered to enhance employee’s ethical awareness in using generative AI, and a “Generative AI Ethics Guideline” will be established to foster a responsible technology practice culture. KOMSA CEO Kim Jun-Seok stated “Since last year, major domestic companies and government institutions have been actively promoting innovation through generative AI. “Likewise, KOMSA will encourage the use of generative AI to accelerate digital transformation in administration and provide improved maritime safety services to the public.” Maritime Traffic Congestion Forecast Service screen provided by the MTIS Haesooho KakaoTalk chatbot service screen: Ship inspection request (left) and Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow Service information (right) KOMSA employees attending a special lecture on developing generative AI competencies, given by Professor Kyung Sang Lee of KAIST’s Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy on Thursday, February 6th, at the main auditorium of the Sejong headquarters (Sejong City, Areum Dong)

KOMSA Signs MOU with the World Maritime University (WMU)

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
Hits30
Date2025-04-07 16:44:58
Content- Establishing a collaborative foundation to respond to digitalization and decarbonization of the maritime industry - Promoting technological cooperation to enhance safety of small and medium sized coastal vessels The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), led by CEO Kim Jun-seok, announced on March 19th that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Maritime University (WMU), an educational institution under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), on Tuesday, March 18th. Founded in 1983 and located in Malmö, Sweden, WMU is a specialized educational institution in the fields of maritime and shipping, offering master's and doctoral programs to IMO member states. To date, the university has produced 6,342 graduates from 171 countries, many of whom hold key positions in the maritime sectors of their respective nations. KOMSA began dispatching employees to WMU for training since 1984, and up until today, ten of our staff members have completed their master’s programs in maritime safety, marine environmental administration, and port management. The MOU focuses on enhancing maritime safety while addressing key issues in the shipping industry such as digitalization and decarbonization. Through this agreement, both organizations will pursue various forms of collaboration including joint research initiatives, information and staff exchange. In particular, the IMO has highlighted that the majority of maritime casualty occur in coastal vessels, prompting a global emphasis on improving the safety of non-SOLAS vessels such as coastal passenger ships and fishing vessels. This MOU is expected to serve as a crucial step in establishing a cooperative framework to strengthen the safety of small and medium sized coastal vessels in line with this international trend. Last year, KOMSA co-hosted the “Small and Medium Ship Safety Forum” with the IMO and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, sharing the latest technological developments related to non-SOLAS vessels and raising international awareness on the issue. Moving onward, KOMSA plans to host a joint conference on the safety of non-SOLAS vessels in collaboration with WMU. CEO Kim Jun-seok of KOMSA stated, “Our organization actively supports the enrollment of our employees at WMU to enhance our global competitiveness and expand our role in the international community.” He added, “Through this MOU, we hope both institutions will grow as partners pursuing sustainable development amidst the rapidly changing maritime landscape.” Kim Jun-seok, CEO of the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (right), and Maximo Q.Mejia, President of the World Maritime University (left), pose for a commemorative photo after signing the MOU on March 18 at KOMSA headquarters in Areum dong, Sejong City, Korea. Maximo Q. Mejia, President of the World Maritime University (center), observes the operations of KOMSA’s Operation Control Center.

KOMSA Enhances Marine Weather Information System To Ensure the Safety of Domestic Passenger Ships

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
Hits40
Date2025-03-07 10:27:17
Content KOMSA Enhances Marine Weather Information System To Ensure the Safety of Domestic Passenger Ships The Operation Control Center at KOMSA headquarters monitors marine weather information KOMSA announced on Thursday, March 6, that it has established and begun implementing the "2025 Comprehensive Plan for Marine Weather Operations," which focuses on upgrading the Marine Weather Information System. To ensure the safe operation of domestic passenger ships, KOMSA aims to enhance its marine weather operations system through key strategic initiatives, including ▲updating the marine weather information system, ▲improving the management of weather observation equipment, ▲researching and developing a passenger ship operation prediction model, and ▲strengthening collaboration with relevant institutions. As part of these initiatives, KOMSA plans to provide accurate marine weather information promptly by integrating Open-API* data from the Korea Meteorological Administration and the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency into its system. Previously, marine weather reports had to be hand-written and manually compiled, causing delays in reflecting real-time conditions. However, with this upgraded system, the organization will be able to deliver real-time precise weather information, significantly improving operational efficiency. *API (Application Programming Interface): A data service that can be accessed via web protocols (HTTP) Until 2024, KOMSA recruited 10 certified weather forecasters to provide regional weather forecasts and preemptive alerts on typhoons and other hazardous weather conditions, thereby supporting the safe navigation of domestic passenger ships. In 2025, to further strengthen its safety management capabilities, KOMSA will expand weather observation infrastructure along sea routes by installing anemometers, anemoscopes, and visibility meters. Furthermore, KOMSA will team up with professional training institutions to foster at least 10 more meteorological equipment experts. Building on this effort, KOMSA is developing a passenger ship operation prediction model that integrates past marine weather data with ship operation data. This model will support the Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service*, which is set to predict weather conditions up to three days in advance. Additionally, ship operation forecasts will be introduced to enhance passenger convenience. *The Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service analyzes regional marine weather, departure control, and ship maintenance schedules and determines the likelihood of passenger ship departures, informing passengers about the operational status of specific routes for the succeeding day. ** Real-time operation updates, ship inspection requests, and the Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service are available via KOMSA’s official KakaoTalk channel, "Haesooho Chatbot". In collaboration with the Korea Meteorological Administration, KOMSA is strengthening cooperation on weather-related services. A working-level council has been established to share essential data for passenger ship safety, such as sea fog conditions and detailed regional weather forecasts. The two organizations have also identified six key areas of cooperation, which include developing measures to prevent collisions between weather buoys and ships and offering expert lecturers on meteorological services. KOMSA’s efforts in marine weather analysis have led to the nationwide expansion of the Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service and the broadcasting of marine weather information via Maritime Transportation Safety Radio. In recognition of these achievements, KOMSA was selected as the "Outstanding Weather Management Organization" by the Korea Meteorological Administration for three consecutive years and was commended by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for its proactive administrative efforts. KOMSA President Jun-Seok Kim stated, "In an era of rapidly changing climate conditions, ensuring safe navigation requires more than simply collecting weather data—it necessitates information that is specifically optimized and reproduced for maritime transport. KOMSA will continue to leverage weather data to enhance maritime transportation safety moving forward."

KOMSA Enhances the Fishers' Safety and Health Manual

WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
Hits28
Date2025-02-27 17:37:32
Content KOMSA Enhances the Fishers' Safety and Health Manual The revised Fishers' Safety and Health Manual, incorporating numerous updates to reflect the evolving conditions of the fishery sector, will be distributed nationwide To align with the implementation of the Act on Fishing Vessel Safety Operations and Fishers’ Safety and Health Promotion, KOMSA has announced plans to enhance the Fishers' Safety and Health Manual to improve its applicability and adoption at fishery sites. Using data from the Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS), KOMSA analyzed maritime accidents from the past five years and found that 261 out of 428 total fatalities and missing persons (61%) were linked to safety-related accidents*. *Safety-related accidents: all accidents involving fatalities, missing persons, and casualties, regardless of the cause Enhancing the manual is a key step in preventing maritime accidents. The revised edition will integrate updates reflecting relevant laws, including the Serious Disaster Penalty Act and the Act on Fishing Vessel Safety Operations and Fishers’ Safety and Health Promotion. Additionally, it will feature improved readability and design to better accommodate the aging workforce in the fishery sector. Considering the unique working environment of small-scale fisheries, the manual will include risk assessment measures that can be easily implemented at fishery sites. By March 2025, the revised manual will cover approximately 30 different fishing methods, including coastal net fishing, and will be distributed nationwide. Building on these efforts, KOMSA—as the implementing organization for fishers' safety and health policies—will expand its initiatives, including ▲technical support for serious disaster accident investigations, ▲establishing risk assessment and safety management standards for fisheries equipment, and ▲producing safety and health signage. KOMSA President Jun-Seok Kim emphasized the organization's commitment, stating "Since 2024, we have restructured our organization to address safety blind spots in fishing boats carrying five or more crew members and to secure the necessary workforce for the swift implementation of government policies." He added, "We will continue expanding communication channels with shipowners and crew, working closely with fishers and the government to create safer fishery sites.