Busan Port Enhances Competitiveness with Eco-Friendly Fuel Supply

- First in the country to successfully demonstrate simultaneous bunkering and unloading operations for an LNG-fueled container ship

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) announced on August 8 that the first-ever demonstration in South Korea of 'ship to ship' (STS) LNG fueling (also known as 'bunkering') and simultaneous unloading operations for an LNG-powered container ship was successfully conducted at Busan New Port.

 As the international shipping industry's fuel paradigm shifts toward natural gas, the operation of LNG-fueled vessels is rapidly increasing. Major ports worldwide are actively engaging in LNG bunkering. Most notably, performing unloading and fueling operations simultaneously can save both time and costs, making the feasibility of such simultaneous LNG bunkering operations a critical measure of competitiveness for both ports and the fuel supply industry.

 Our government has been advancing the 'R&D on Simultaneous LNG Bunkering Operation Technologies,' focusing on technological development and safety in LNG bunkering. Demonstrations of bulk ship LNG bunkering and simultaneous operations at Gwangyang Port, as well as two car carrier demonstrations at Busan Port, have allowed us to accumulate relevant achievements and expertise.

 This demonstration, conducted on August 8 at Pier 5 of Busan New Port, involved stakeholders from the MOF, Busan Port Authority, shipping companies, stevedoring firms, and port operators. Notably, the Ministry exempted vessel entry and departure fees to facilitate successful execution of the LNG bunkering and simultaneous unloading operations. Additionally, a coordination committee comprising relevant agencies conducted safety inspections related to these operations.

 This successful demonstration at Busan Port has proven the feasibility of simultaneous bunkering and container unloading for internationally sought-after LNG-powered container ships. It has enhanced Busan Port’s appeal to global shipping lines and boosted its competitiveness.

 Meanwhile, building on this success, the MOF is advancing R&D to develop bunkering procedures for other eco-friendly ship fuels, such as methanol and ammonia. Demonstrations of these procedures are also planned for the future.