South Korea is one of the world’s leaders in the maritime industry, home to massive shipyards equipped with cutting-edge technologies and intelligent engineering solutions. From October 20 to 24, Klaipėda University Professor, EU-CONEXUS Institutional Coordinator and Management Board member Prof. Dr Rima Mickevičienė had the opportunity to see this innovation ecosystem first-hand during her visit.
In the span of one week, she took part in several prestigious international events — the TradeWinds Global Shipbuilding Forum, the Kormarine Conference, the World Ocean Forum, and the KORMARINE Next Energy exhibition. She also visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan, the world’s largest shipyard, where she explored shipbuilding and engine manufacturing facilities, a research centre’s ship model testing basin, and the company museum.
Strengthening academic–industry cooperation
As part of her visit to HHI Engine & Machinery, Prof. Dr Mickevičienė met with company executives — CEO Ju Seog Han, Head of Design and Engineering Sangkee Rhee, and Head of Production Minho Kang. The discussion revealed strong mutual interest in collaboration and knowledge exchange. HHI representatives expressed curiosity about Lithuania’s economic and maritime landscape and Klaipėda University’s role in preparing future maritime professionals. The meeting was arranged through Affiliate Professor KangKi Lee, who maintains close ties between Klaipėda University and Korean partners.
“European shipyards have lost many orders due to higher labour and energy costs compared to Asia. However, as global and EU emission standards become increasingly strict, shipowners must renew and modernise their fleets. Many technologies for net-zero vessels by 2050 are still under development — leaving significant room for innovation,” Prof. Dr Mickevičienė explained.
She added that this transformation creates a growing demand for highly educated specialists — engineers, technologists, project managers — capable of bridging technological and environmental knowledge. European universities and companies are responding by developing greener marine technologies, establishing alternative fuel production facilities, and engaging in cross-sector projects. In Klaipėda, for instance, Western Shipyard Group offers scholarships for marine engineering students, strengthening links between education and industry.
Exploring new global trends and future directions
Participation in the TradeWinds Global Shipbuilding Forum and the World Ocean Forum offered a comprehensive look at how the maritime sector is transforming worldwide. Prof. Dr Mickevičienė observed that shipbuilders are investing heavily in Industry 4.0 solutions, automation, and robotisation to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability. New shipbuilding hubs are emerging in Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India, while South Korea remains a technological leader.
Across the Pacific, the newly announced “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)” programme — with a planned investment of USD 5 billion — aims to revitalise the U.S. shipbuilding industry and foster technological partnerships. South Korea’s interest in joining this initiative may reshape global competition and cooperation patterns.
The World Ocean Forum — a platform promoting collaboration between academia and industry — particularly resonated with the EU-CONEXUS approach to connecting education, research, and innovation in coastal and maritime regions. The event’s themes, including Arctic shipping, small modular reactors (SMRs), and the integration of renewable energy, echoed many of the alliance’s research priorities.
Sharing Baltic expertise in sustainable transformation
At the Kormarine 2025 Conference, Prof. Dr Mickevičienė contributed a presentation titled “Current Environmental Emission Rules and Baltic Countermeasures.” The session gathered over 1,800 participants and was co-organised by Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU) — a recently joined EU-CONEXUS associated partner, expanding the alliance’s global network of cooperation.
“The Baltic and North Seas were the first in the world to become Emission Control Areas. It started with sulphur limits in marine fuels and now includes nitrogen oxides. Our sea’s low salinity and limited water exchange make it extremely sensitive to pollution — the same water mass can circulate for up to 30 years,” she explained.
In her presentation, she outlined the progress achieved in reducing SOx and NOx emissions and highlighted EU initiatives aimed at cutting CO₂ from ships and ports. She also reviewed how the Baltic States — particularly Lithuania — are preparing to meet stricter regulations for 2031, 2040, and 2050.
“In Klaipėda, we sometimes take ongoing port projects for granted, but compared to other Baltic ports, Klaipėda stands out as one of the most advanced in readiness to service new and retrofitted vessels,” she added.
Her contribution positioned the Baltic Sea region as a living example of sustainable change — a message that aligns with EU-CONEXUS’s vision of translating scientific knowledge into real impact for coastal communities.
Inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals
Throughout her visit, Prof. Dr Mickevičienė noticed a recurring message: the maritime sector’s green and digital transformation demands a new wave of skilled professionals — engineers, designers, technologists, and innovators capable of navigating rapid change.
“Technological development is moving faster than ever before. Without education, no region can remain competitive. The maritime field offers global opportunities — it’s dynamic, international, and full of promise for those ready to take on the challenge,” she concluded
