The Korea Shipping Association announced on the 19th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Meteorological Administration to strengthen global ocean monitoring and navigation safety.
The agreement was established to utilize the expertise and networks of the two institutions to secure marine weather information in the North Pacific region and enhance the safe operation of national flag carriers.
The two institutions plan to collaborate on ▲ cooperation in ocean monitoring and information production ▲ utilization of weather information for navigation safety ▲ sharing global weather data and policies ▲ exchange of expertise in the shipping and meteorological fields.
The Korea Meteorological Administration's National Meteorological Science Institute has been conducting ocean observations in the Northwest Pacific and the East China Sea through the Argo Float project since 2001. During this process, the Korea Shipping Association supported the deployment of Argo Floats with ships from Hyundai Merchant Marine in 2001 and Hanjin Shipping from 2002 to 2006.
The Shipping Association intends to actively support the Korea Meteorological Administration's deployment of Argo Floats through member company ships operating on North Pacific routes. Furthermore, member company vessels are expected to receive weather forecast data from the Korea Meteorological Administration on routes including Asia-Europe and Pacific.
Yang Chang-ho, the executive vice president, said, "The agreement with the Korea Meteorological Administration will be a significant turning point in enhancing the navigation safety of national flag carriers, and we will utilize weather information to improve operational efficiency and build a sustainable shipping industry in response to climate change."