South Korea will commence pilot operations on Arctic shipping routes next year as part of a strategic initiative to capitalize on the growing commerce in the region, according to the country’s Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo.

“We will begin pilot operations next year… and establish a dedicated team for the Arctic shipping route project within the government later this year to develop a mid- to long-term roadmap,” Chun stated in an exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency.

The minister emphasized the increasing international competition in the Arctic, particularly from Russia, China, and the United States. He stressed the urgency of South Korea’s plans, noting that the country will conduct trial operations “as soon as possible” to stay competitive, as Arctic routes are becoming navigable year-round earlier than anticipated.

As part of this strategic initiative, President Lee Jae Myung’s administration is committed to relocating the Oceans Ministry to Busan by year-end, positioning the southeastern port city as a maritime hub for Korea’s anticipated Arctic expansion.

Photo: A Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker escorts ships on the Northern Sea Route, July 14, 2016. Credit: knyazev vasily / Shutterstock.

Original article on gCaptain