Reporter Ahn Sang-min (tkdals0914@electimes.com) Published: November 2, 2024, 07:00
South Korea Lacks Marine Exploration Standards… Domestic Standards Must Align with International Norms
“Proper Systems Must Be in Place to Obtain Accurate Ground Exploration Results”
“For offshore wind power development, it is necessary for domestic companies to not only focus on geophysical surveys but also advance into geotechnical surveys. If we don’t prepare now, large foreign companies with more experience will dominate the information of our seas. Geoview’s investment is significant because it allows our companies to conduct surveys of our seas, thereby protecting national security and maritime sovereignty.”
Kim Hyun-do, CEO of Geoview, explained the significance of the launch of the country’s first geotechnical survey vessel, “G-Star,” equipped with an offshore drilling system. Currently, domestic companies are limited to geophysical surveys, and foreign companies’ assistance is essential for geotechnical surveys. Therefore, Kim believes that active investment from domestic companies is necessary to localize ships and equipment.
Geoview, established in 2005, was initially a marine exploration company focused on geophysical surveys. However, with the recent activation of the subsea cable and offshore wind power markets, the company has been expanding its capabilities.
“Above all, safety is crucial in marine operations. In a recent tender conducted by a development company, there were no standards for specialized equipment or safety. But now, these standards need to change, and new criteria for specialized personnel and equipment must be established. Geoview will lead this change and do its best to ensure that the domestic offshore wind power market develops with a focus on safety and efficiency.”
Since South Korea lacks oil and gas resources in its seabed, research, development, and safety standards for marine exploration have not been properly established. As a result, the country’s capabilities in marine operations are weaker than those of developing countries, and this weakness is becoming more apparent with the growth of the offshore wind market. Kim, the CEO, plans to take the lead in establishing these standards as a domestic company.
“I believe that when the proper system is in place, the right results will follow. Marine geotechnical surveys are not tasks that can be completed quickly with a haphazard approach; once started, they take a long time. For the safety and efficiency of the workers, it’s crucial to have the proper system in place.”
CEO Kim’s strategy is to localize the geotechnical market through the G-Star vessel and achieve technological independence through continuous investment. This approach aims to support offshore wind developers by enabling safe and efficient project development through marine exploration.
“I am glad that G-Star has taken the first step toward the localization of geotechnical services, and I am proud that we now have a proper system in place. This marks the beginning of a new path for Geoview, and I feel hopeful about the future. Moving forward, we will do our best to continuously invest and provide excellent services to offshore wind developers.”
Source: Electric Times (https://www.electimes.com)
