Foundation-funded centre hosts leading Korean forum

The Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Industry CEO Forum is a gathering of current and former CEOs of large and medium-sized shipyards in Korea, as well as representatives of related organizations such as classification societies and equipment companies. It was first proposed by Professor Yonghwan Kim, Director of the Lloyd's Register Foundation Research Center in Seoul National University, (SNU) and was established in 2019.

It has been hosted by the Lloyd's Register Foundation Research Center in Seoul National University and the Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA). The forum is conducted through in-depth presentations and discussions on recent key issues in the shipbuilding industry and is currently chaired by Sam-Hyeon Ka, the former CEO of HD Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering(KSOE). 

The 8th CEO Forum saw 37 participants taking part, including the CEOs of HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean and included various discussions on the national competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry. In particular, there was consensus on the need to develop eco-friendly and smart ship technologies and actively promote them to ship owners. 

Lloyd’s Register Foundation has given a £4million pound grant to SNU to fund a five year research programme to drive the development of standards and safer operations. 

Jan Przydatek, Director of Technologies said: “We have partnered with SNU for many years and are confident that our new grant supporting innovative research and development will be a significant step in addressing maritime safety and global maritime challenges linked to climate change, digitization, and energy transition. An important part of our strategy has been demonstrated at this Forum – and that is bringing together all those whose voices need to be heard as we move forward to create a safer, more sustainable future for the industry.”