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Ulsan Port is eyeing to be the leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia
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The recently concluded 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels underscored the South Korean port’s ambition
Ulsan Port is eyeing to be the leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia.
Positioning the South Korea port as such was central to the agenda of the recently concluded 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels. The forum was hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) and Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC). It drew some 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.
The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization’s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.
READ: IMO approves net-zero rules for shipping
UPA, Korea’s main port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, noted its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.
UPA Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port, highlighting the port’s strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialized handling expertise.
The presentation displayed UPA’s commitment to developing the needed facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia’s premier biofuel bunkering destination.
For his part, UPA president Jae-young Byeon, said: “As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels.”
He added: “Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”
Sun-bae Hong, chief executive of KMC, emphasized that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”
He said: “We will continuously facilitate industry dialogue forums like this meeting to strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic shipping industry as international regulations approach, creating opportunities for growth.”
The sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors, including:
• Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
• Biofuel utilization and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
• Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
• Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
The forum concluded with a panel discussion where UPA outlined its roadmap for transforming Ulsan Port into the region’s leading biofuel supply center, backed by strategic investments and cross-sector partnerships.
