HDPE Boats are Revolutionizing the Maritime Industry in Korea

A large black patrol or utility boat is displayed outdoors on a raised platform covered in small tiles. The boat features a prominent wraparound windowed cockpit, orange life ring, visible logos for "POSSIBILITY," "ECOMARINE," and "LOTTE CHEMICAL," and is situated against a backdrop of modern glass office buildings and trees. An overhead skybridge connects two buildings above and behind the boat, and the surrounding area is landscaped with grass and pathways.

Success Stories20 Feb 2025

Korea’s shipping industry is on the brink of major change: Instead of boats made from glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), which is difficult to recycle, HDPE (high density polyethylene) is gaining ground as a sustainable alternative. The robust, recyclable plastic offers a host of benefits – from lower maintenance costs to a smaller carbon footprint. Find out why HDPE boats are the future of the maritime industry and what role Leister technology plays in this.

Author: Myun-Sik Kim, Principal Business Development Manager, Leister International AG

GRP Boats: a Growing Problem for the Environment

South Korea is pursuing ambitious climate targets and focusing on innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry. A central problem is the non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle GRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) boats. There are currently over 60,000 GRP fishing boats registered in Korea, many of which are due to be scrapped. They often end up in landfills or pollute coasts and oceans.

The Environmentally Friendly Alternative: HDPE Boats

To counteract this problem, the Korean Maritime Safety Authority (KOMSA) is promoting the switch to HDPE boats. This sustainable alternative is tougher, lighter and requires less maintenance – a decisive step towards environmentally friendly shipping. KOMSA is the South Korean maritime safety authority. It monitors ships, promotes safe maritime passenger transport, improves safety systems and participates in international initiatives such as the reduction of greenhouse gases. To implement this initiative, Eco Marine, a spin-off of the South Korean chemical company Lotte Chemical, has developed innovative HDPE materials specifically for boat manufacturing.

Benefits of HDPE boats: Sustainable solutions for the maritime industry

HDPE boats offer numerous advantages over FRP boats. They are fully recyclable, lighter and consume less energy. The corrosion and impact resistance of HDPE increases durability and cost efficiency as less maintenance is required and no antifouling coatings are needed. Most importantly, however, HDPE boats have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to GRP and aluminum boats.

The introduction of HDPE boats is thus a crucial step towards achieving Korea’s carbon-neutral targets by 2050. By reducing reliance on GRP boats, the maritime industry can significantly reduce both waste and emissions. KOMSA’s efforts to promote HDPE technology and train technicians are paving the way for a greener future in Korean waters.

Three people are seated at separate desks in a bright, modern workshop. They are each wearing white work gloves and using handheld heat welding tools to work with dark plastic sheets, which are secured to the desks with orange clamps. The desks hold various tools and materials, including wires, laptops, and brushes, and each person is focused on their respective task. The setting is organized, with open space, large windows, and additional tables visible in the background.

The Role of KOMSA in Promoting HDPE Boats

KOMSA has launched several promotional programs to support the introduction of HDPE boats in Korea. The most significant activities include training programs for the construction and welding of HDPE boats. These programs, which take place at KOMSA’s training centers in Mokpo and Incheon, successfully train a large number of boat builders and equip them with the necessary skills to build and maintain HDPE boats.

One of KOMSA’s tasks is to promote environmentally friendly initiatives by raising awareness of HDPE boats among fishermen in villages throughout Korea. To this end, KOMSA conducts visits to fishing communities to demonstrate the practicality and advantages of HDPE fishing boats. During these visits, live demonstrations of HDPE sheet welding are offered to provide hands-on experience with HDPE materials and demonstrate the professionalism of Leister extrusion welders.

Four men are standing around a table in a classroom, observing and operating a green industrial plastic welding tool on black plastic panels. The tool is clamped on the panels, and one person demonstrates its use while the others closely watch. The setting includes desks, office chairs, a green equipment case, and a chalkboard in the background, with papers and tools laid out on the tables. The participants are dressed casually, some wearing hats and jackets. The environment appears to be a technical training or workshop session.

HDPE Boat “Possibility” – Innovation for Maritime Use

Eco Marine develops high-quality HDPE materials under the brand name “Ever Marine,” specifically designed for use at sea and in boat construction. As a pioneer in this field, the company has built the innovative HDPE boat “Possibility” together with its partners.

Leister Technology: Precise Welding Seams for Maximum Stability

Eco Marine relies on WELDPLAST S2 from Leister to join the boat’s robust HDPE panels professionally. The high-performance extrusion welder guarantees consistently high-quality welding seams. The compact construction enables efficient welding in confined spaces, while the ergonomic design ensures fatigue-free working over long periods of time. The use of a blower with a brushless motor also increases the service life of the device. Testimonials from boat builders in Korea and around the world underline the crucial role played by Leister welding equipment in this work.

HDPE Boats: a Sustainable Solution for the Future

With global carbon neutrality by 2050 in mind, KOMSA is promoting the switch from GRP to HDPE boats. They are more durable, cheaper and safer, offer more comfort and reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Public and industry support is crucial for the successful implementation of this change. Eco Marine supplies HDPE materials, while extruders from Leister ensure precise and durable weld seams – a pioneering solution for the maritime industry.

Interested in Leister extruders or other products? Contact our Leister team or our partner Phillyp Heisstech in Korea. We are local. Worldwide.