Koreas WIG project stalled

The development of the WIG (wing in ground-effect) craft, which the government hoped to use as a next-generation marine transport, has stalled since the government has failed to find a private-sector partner. The WIG craft is essentially an airplane that flies just above the surface of the sea at speeds of 250 to 300 km/h. The government and a private sector source each invested $91.5 million to develop the WIG aiming at commercialization by 2010. However, the project has been stalled for almost two years since the government failed to find a private-sector partner after the original one withdrew.

According to shipbuilding industry sources, STX Shipbuilding, the original private partner, withdrew from the project and DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering) will soon decide if it will participate. The industry is reluctant to participate in the development of the vessel since its economic benefits are not clear. The WIG is faster than other marine transport vessels, but its high speed could lead to collisions with islands or bridges. Also, the government has yet to sign a safety agreement with China, Japan or Taiwan which would be the likely end nodes of WIG ship routes.