April 23, 2025 (SEOUL) – A new report by Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) projects the proposed Korea–Europe Green Shipping Corridor (GSC) to cut carbon emissions by over 70% along key trade routes between Pyeongtaek Port and major European automotive hubs. The GSC is positioned as a key step in the maritime sector’s green transition and a leading model for long-distance, low-emission shipping. 

With the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) recent announcement of Net-zero Framework at MEPC 83, the Korea–Europe partnership offers a timely opportunity to fill the leadership vacuum in global shipping decarbonization. For South Korea—home to one of the world’s largest shipbuilding industries—the proposed GSC also marks a significant progress in its Greenship-K Program, which targets a complete phaseout of GHG emissions from shipping by 2050, in line with the IMO’s 2050 net-zero target.  

Bringing Car and Truck Carriers into the Climate Equation 

The corridor zeroes in on Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), linking Pyeongtaek Port with Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton, which are all established European gateways for automotive logistics. These vessels operate on regular, high-volume routes and require less complex cargo-handling infrastructure compared to container terminals. This makes them more adaptable for early adoption of green technologies, presenting a practical and scalable entry point for rolling out zero-emission shipping solutions. 

Beyond its operational aspect, the Korea–Europe GSC presents wider implications for the global green corridor landscape. First, it broadens the scope of decarbonization by incorporating a diverse vessel class, complementing container-based initiatives and expanding industry participation. Second, by prioritizing a long-haul, transcontinental route over intra-European short-sea shipping, it enables greater absolute emissions reductions.  

Why Pyeongtaek Could Anchor Korea’s Green Shipping Push 

Pyeongtaek Port is Korea’s primary hub for automotive trade and a strategic location for launching green corridor initiatives. It serves as a key export point for domestic automakers including Hyundai, Kia, and KG Mobility, particularly for shipments to Northern and Central Europe. 

The governance structure of Pyeongtaek Port also offers favorable conditions for green corridor development. The port is overseen by Pyeongtaek Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, with hinterland infrastructure largely financed by private capital. This collaborative governance scheme makes it well-suited for public-private partnerships, a key element of the proposed GSC implementation strategy.  

To turn this potential into reality, the report recommends policy instruments such as a dedicated Green Corridor Act, fuel supply infrastructure, and expanded financial incentives to ensure implementation. These shall be augmented by the active participation from key private-sector stakeholders such as shipping companies, fuel suppliers, cargo owners, and investors.  

Shifting to a Clean Fuel Supply with Green Methanol  

One of the key features of the Korea–Europe GSC proposal is the adoption of green methanol, a low-carbon alternative to conventional marine fuels. Unlike gray or brown methanol, which are derived from fossil fuels and emit over 100 gCO₂e/MJ, green methanol is produced from renewable sources and generates near-zero emissions. 

The report estimates that the combined eastbound and westbound operations between Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek leg alone emit over 2 million metric tons of CO₂ annually when powered by conventional heavy fuel oil. Transitioning to green methanol could eliminate approximately 1.4 million tons of those emissions.  

With methanol projected to account for more than 20 percent of global marine fuel use by 2050, the report emphasizes the need for a reliable and scalable supply chain. 

Table 1: Well-to-Well (WTW) CO₂ Emissions by Port-to-Port Route (Source: SFOC)

Jueun Han, researcher from SFOC, said:   

“Amid changing global dynamics, green shipping corridors with Europe present a strategic opportunity for South Korea. With Europe leading maritime decarbonization, Korea is well-positioned to cooperate by establishing a private-sector-led pilot corridor centered around Pyeongtaek Port. 

In response to the IMO’s GHG reduction targets and the EU’s tightening regulations, developing green shipping corridors is essential to securing the long-term competitiveness of Korea’s shipping and shipbuilding industries.” 

ENDS.  

Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to accelerate global greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy transition. SFOC leverages research, litigation, community organizing, and strategic communications to deliver practical climate solutions and build movements for change.     

For media inquiries, please reach out to Antonette Tagnipez, Communications Officer, antonette.tagnipez@forourclimate.org.