Battery-electric “E-Green” ferry marks a new era for clean port operations in Busan

Battery-electric "E-Green" ferry marks a new era for clean port operations in Busan

BUSAN - Pacific Environment welcomes the launch of the E-Green ferry, a new battery-electric port guide vessel operated by the Busan Port Authority (BPA), marking a significant milestone in the port's transition toward cleaner and lower-emission port operations.

"E-Green, true to its name, will become an icon of a cleaner and greener Busan Port," said BPA President Sang-geun Song. "We hope more citizens will enjoy experiencing the port from the sea while also seeing how ports can lead by example in adopting eco-friendly maritime solutions."

The official launch ceremony was held in the North Port area of Busan, attended by National Assembly members, civil society representatives, and stakeholders from the port and logistics sectors. With E-Green now entering full operation, Busan Port is taking a visible step toward aligning port-level maritime activities with the global momentum to decarbonize shipping.

"Pacific Environment recognizes the E-Green ferry as an important example of voluntary, port-led decarbonization, demonstrating that meaningful emissions reductions can be achieved through operational choices made by port authorities themselves," said Hyunju Kang, Asia climate campaign director at Pacific Environment.

Operated independently by the Busan Port Authority, port guide vessels have been a longstanding part of BPA's public engagement efforts since 2005. Over the past two decades, these vessels have welcomed more than 200,000 visitors, serving as an important platform to introduce the operations and dynamics of Busan Port. Approximately 70% of passengers have been members of the general public or students, contributing significantly to improving public understanding of port activities.

The introduction of E-Green follows BPA's decision to replace its existing port guide vessel, Saenuri, which had been in service for 28 years and had reached the end of its operational life. As part of this fleet renewal process, BPA independently chose to adopt a battery-electric vessel, rather than a conventional fossil-fuel-powered replacement. The vessel was constructed by a local shipbuilder in Busan and underwent four months of sea trials to rigorously verify operational safety prior to entering service.

Powered entirely by batteries rather than internal combustion engines, the E-Green produces virtually no noise, vibration, or exhaust emissions during operation. This allows passengers to experience Busan Port in a quieter and cleaner environment, while demonstrating how port authorities can voluntarily adopt zero-emission solutions through their own operational decisions.

Busan Port Authority has described the launch of E-Green as a proactive response to the growing international focus on decarbonization in the shipping and logistics sectors. As the world's seventh-largest container port and the second-largest transshipment hub globally, Busan Port's decision to electrify its own port service vessels highlights the role that port authorities themselves can play - independent of national mandates - in advancing climate action.

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