DNV: How DNV Korea’s decarbonization network drives low-GHG fuel uptake

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (6 August) shared on its Decarbonization Network for Korea, which is helping maritime stakeholders to align on low-emission fuel initiatives, and the initiatives to develop a low-GHG infrastructure in Korea:

There have been many initiatives in the Korean maritime sector in recent years to not only keep abreast of decarbonization but actually become one of its driving forces. To encourage these efforts and create synergies by helping the stakeholders coordinate their activities, DNV Korea invited companies from all parts of the Korean maritime sector to join its Decarbonization Network.

Helping the industry navigate decarbonization challenges

Established in 2022, this project provides a collaboration platform for shipyards, shipowners, charterers, ports, research facilities and financial institutions involved in decarbonization activities. In regular meetings, seminars and workshops, the members – currently 27 companies from all segments of the maritime industry – explore current trends, share insights and best practices, discuss regulatory and technical challenges, and promote the development of solutions.

“We want to use the Decarbonization Network to identify decarbonization leaders in the Korean maritime sector and provide them with crucial information to help them navigate the challenges they’re facing,” explains Jae Hun Lim, Principal Engineer and Decarbonization Expert at DNV Korea who has spearheaded the initiative. DNV puts an emphasis on educating and developing future decarbonization experts at these companies, all with the perspective of extending the network beyond national borders eventually. The practical value of the network is already evident. Members have applied insights directly to projects, such as the Vessel Technical Index (VTI), a ship performance indicator developed by DNV. After learning about VTI through network meetings, members were better prepared to respond to inquiries from charterers they received shortly after. This kind of readiness is supported by DNV’s global expert network and regional hubs, which enable faster knowledge-sharing and closer alignment with international decarbonization efforts.

A key member of the decarbonization network: Ulsan Port Authority

The Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) joined the network in December 2023. Sometimes called the “industrial powerhouse of South Korea”, Ulsan is the nation’s largest industrial port. Its expansive tank terminal cluster serves as a bunkering supply base for other ports in south-eastern Korea. Ulsan is also a major shipbuilding centre, and home to the headquarters of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. With huge industrial complexes right at the port and in its immediate hinterland, Ulsan is in an ideal position to put its weight behind industry efforts to build a global green ship fuel supply chain. The port is working on expanding and partially converting its liquid cargo hub for low-GHG fuels.

As a key player in Korea’s decarbonization efforts, UPA is a welcome addition to the network, says Jae Hun Lim. “UPA was the world’s first port to implement a green methanol bunkering system and began supplying green methanol to ships recently,” he says. “Ulsan has pioneered the use of hydrogen as fuel and is in the process of establishing a facility for bunkering bio ammonia.”

Establishing a Green Corridor across the Pacific Ocean

In April 2025, South Korea and the United States agreed to establish a green shipping corridor between the two nations as of 2027. Supported by various public and private entities including the Busan and Ulsan port authorities, the project roadmap includes the development of infrastructure and a supply base for alternative marine fuels, mainly ammonia and green methanol.

“Ulsan’s role is to make sure the right infrastructure is in place,” says Soon-Yo Jeong, Vice President of Operations at the Ulsan Port Authority. “We’re focusing on bunkering systems for methanol and ammonia, and on developing safe and clear standard operating procedures.”

In 2023, Ulsan Port was selected as a strategic hub for eco-friendly marine fuels under the South Korean government’s Alternative Marine Fuel Supply Chain Development Plan, adds Jeong: “We see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity.”

Note: The full article by DNV can be read here. 

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 11 August, 2025