As questions mounted over supply issues of ethylene gas used in shipbuilding due to the Middle East situation, the Korea Shipbuilders' Association moved to respond, saying, "We are operating processes normally through various response measures, and short-term supply instability is not significant."
The association stated accordingly in a "Notice on the ethylene gas supply situation in the shipbuilding industry related to the Middle East situation" distributed on the day.
The association said, "Korea's shipbuilding industry maintains a certain level of inventory for ethylene gas needed in shipbuilding processes and, in cooperation with the government and related industries, continues to manage the supply situation," adding, "Key production processes are currently operating normally."
It added, "Domestic shipbuilders have prepared measures to cope with various supply chain instability situations," and "In addition, as relevant agencies and the industry activated a joint response system to check and adjust the supply situation, short-term supply instability factors are not significant."
The association said the impact of ethylene gas supply and demand on shipyard operations is limited, as the shipbuilding industry is managing supply chain risks through various response measures, including securing multiple supply sources, adjusting volumes, and improving inventory operation efficiency.
It went on, "We will continue to closely monitor changes in the Middle East situation and, if necessary, simultaneously pursue additional securing and alternative procurement plans to maintain stable production conditions."