BUSAN (December 15, 2025) — 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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