Korea developing smart green ships

It will include ships that will graft IT functions onto the navigating system and use environment-friendly resources other than diesel for power,” a ministry spokesman said.

The ministry is currently in talks with related research institutes and will have shipbuilders participate in the projects later on, officials said. Several methods are currently under review, including the use of fuel cells as well as electricity, along with the development of new engines that use alternative fuels. Seoul is in talks with several local research institutes on setting detailed targets for the project.

Some Korean shipbuilders said they have already developed hybrid ships that significantly cut carbon emissions and improve the fuel efficiency rate.