A hybrid-propulsion vessel of Geumyang Merchant Marine (CEO Park Jung-kook) — which has been pursuing eco-friendly ship development and technical cooperation with Korean Register (KR, Chairman & CEO Lee Yongsok) — has obtained “Eco-Friendly Ship Grade 3” from the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA).

This certification is the first achievement realized on the basis of the “Memorandum of Understanding for Eco-Friendly Ship Development and Technical Cooperation” signed by the two companies in December 2025. It is drawing significant attention from the maritime industry as the first instance — not among large carriers, but among domestic coastal and near-sea small-and-medium shipping companies — of officially recognized, operationally viable hybrid technical capability.

The certified vessel departs from the conventional diesel-engine configuration and adopts an Electric Hybrid Propulsion system that combines a generator with a propulsion electric motor. This is a next-generation eco-friendly technology that maximizes operational efficiency while dramatically reducing emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Geumyang Merchant Marine has continuously verified the safety and efficiency of the system through close cooperation with KR and received technical advice and direction for eco-friendly certification from KOMSA, laying the groundwork for this certification. It is regarded as an innovative case that preemptively responds to the government’s “2050 Carbon Neutrality” roadmap and the IMO’s strengthened environmental regulations.

KR Executive Vice President Yeon Kyujin said, “This certification is a representative example of technical cooperation between KR and a small-and-medium carrier leading to tangible results,” adding, “KR will continue to spare no effort in supporting the competitiveness of small-and-medium carriers as a technology partner driving the eco-friendly transition of the maritime industry.”

Geumyang Merchant Marine CEO Park Jungkook said, "We have worked to chart the direction a small-and-medium carrier should pursue in line with the government's policy of revitalising the supply of eco-friendly ships," adding, "On the basis of our proven technical capabilities, we will provide the most eco-friendly and trusted transport services in the Asian coastal and near-sea logistics market."