20 billion won to be invested by 2030; base stations to be installed at lighthouses, dedicated terminals developed

Pilot service to launch in 2029, covering fishing gear tracking, solo-operator safety and aquaculture management

Collaborating institutions sought through Nov. 30; network access and data monitoring to be provided free of charge

This image is unrelated to the article. [Getty Images Bank]
This image is unrelated to the article. [Getty Images Bank]

South Korea will build a maritime Internet of Things wireless network off the coasts of Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province — one capable of operating for up to five years without recharging. The network will use base stations installed at lighthouses to eliminate communication dead zones at sea, and will support applications including fishing gear tracking, solo-operator safety and aquaculture management.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced Sunday that they will jointly build a maritime IoT wireless pilot network in the waters off Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province.

Maritime IoT is a sea-specific wireless communications technology that attaches small terminals to people, vessels and marine facilities to transmit location and sensor data. The terminals can operate for up to five years without recharging.

Unlike on land, radio signals at sea do not travel far, and communication costs are high — factors that have long constrained the adoption of safety and convenience services based on information and communications technology.

To address this, the ministry and ETRI will invest 20 billion won ($14.5 million) through 2030 in a project to develop a navigation-aid-based maritime IoT wireless communications system. A pilot network will be built across the waters linking Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province — the country's maritime hub — with base stations installed at lighthouses. Dedicated terminals for maritime use will also be developed. After 2030, the ministry plans to expand the network nationwide.

A promotional image for the maritime IoT collaborating institution recruitment drive. [Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]
A promotional image for the maritime IoT collaborating institution recruitment drive. [Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]

The pilot service is set to begin in earnest in 2029. The ministry said maritime IoT technology could be used to track fishing gear locations to prevent losses and to improve the safety of fishers working alone. It also plans to apply the technology to preventing fish deaths at aquaculture farms and reducing secondary accidents caused by navigation hazards.

To ensure that real-world maritime needs are reflected in the technology's development, the ministry is accepting applications from collaborating institutions through Nov. 30. Central government agencies, local governments, and maritime and fisheries associations or organizations operating marine facilities, sensors or equipment in Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province are eligible to apply.

Selected institutions will receive free access to the maritime IoT network and data monitoring services. Those with specialized needs may also receive support for developing customized terminals through separate consultations.

Jeong Do-hyeon, director general of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' Maritime Safety Bureau, said expanding maritime IoT would "serve as a catalyst for protecting the lives and property of fishers and effectively meeting the diverse needs of maritime and fisheries sites." He urged institutions and organizations in the maritime hub region to participate actively, noting that support including free communication services and terminal development would be provided.


adastra@heraldcorp.com