[ KMTA asks MOTIE to relax the rest. of importation for sec. vessel]

Korea Maritime and Port Administration asked that the Ministry of Trad
e, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) will allow national-flag carrers to pur
chase their required secondhand vessels without any restrictions.
KMPA’s an official said that most shipping companies have not procure
d the secondhand vessels at necessary time due to the limitation of th
e types, sizes and ages of vessels when they purchase secondhand vesse
ls.
In addition, the restriction on the Japanese secondhand vessels has gi
ven rise to poor performances in importing secondhand vessels.
In this connection, KMPA asked the government to permit the shipping c
ompanies to import Japan-built containerships, other general cargo shi
ps and double-hull tanker.