The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI, President Jo Jeonghee) announced on December 12 that it has signed a business agreement with Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL, Acting President Jeong Jeongrae) for research and development cooperation in the maritime, fisheries, railway, and logistics sectors, as well as for the innovation of the national logistics system.

Through this agreement, the two organizations will strengthen their cooperative relationship to build a sustainable national logistics system and enhance global logistics competitiveness. Their core goals are to explore new logistics models that link shipping and railways, jointly promote research and development and strategic projects, and lay the groundwork for future innovation in logistics systems.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will expand cooperation in several areas, including: ▲ joint research on developing and activating new transport routes utilizing the Arctic shipping route; ▲ technology exchange for the establishment and optimization of integrated rail-port logistics networks; ▲ strengthening human resource capabilities through the exchange and training of research personnel; ▲ discovering and jointly participating in national and international R&D projects; and ▲ co-hosting academic events.

The Arctic shipping route is attracting attention for its significant reduction in sailing distance and economic advantages compared to existing logistics routes. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of a Korean strategy for utilizing the Arctic route. In addition, further advancement of the rail-port linkage model is anticipated to enable an innovative upgrade of the national logistics infrastructure.

Jo Jeonghee, President of KMI, stated, "This cooperation marks an important starting point for opening new possibilities in the future-oriented national logistics system," and emphasized, "Through the collaborative platform built by both organizations, we will achieve tangible results in national logistics innovation and enhancement of global competitiveness."

Korea Maritime Institute