The SMART-C Women Project concluded five days of intensive learning, dialogue and technical exposure in Busan, culminating with impactful practical visits showcasing how digitalisation is reshaping the maritime sector.
The programme (15-19 September), jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, marked a milestone in advancing women's leadership and professional development in the maritime sector.
Building on the online training delivered earlier this year, the in-person programme brought together women maritime officials from the Pacific SIDS region - the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu - all of whom had already completed the SMART-C Women Online Training Programme.
The training combined classroom sessions with immersive field visits, offering participants both conceptual knowledge and first-hand exposure to cutting-edge maritime practices. Participants engaged in discussions led by international experts, covering maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, the Maritime Single Window, and leadership for women in the sector.
Field visits reveal digitalisation in practice
A highlight of the week was the field visit to Dongwon Global Terminal (DGT) Busan, South Korea's largest container terminal and a leader in smart, eco-friendly port operations. Participants gained practical insights into the application of automation, electrification, and digitalised logistics systems, underscoring the critical role of innovation in advancing sustainable and efficient maritime trade.
Many participants highlighted the Dongwon visit as particularly impactful in deepening their understanding of maritime digitalisation in practice.
Additional technical visits included the Korean Register (KR), a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), and the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT), renowned for its professional maritime training programmes.
Participants also visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a pioneer in shipbuilding and offshore engineering. Together, these experiences provided a comprehensive perspective on the evolving maritime landscape.
Impacting day-to-day operations
In concluding the training programme, SMART-C Women Project Manager, Ms. Yeongjoo Baek, highlighted the importance of carrying forward the lessons learned to real life applications.
"I am confident in our SMART-C trainees' ability to apply this valuable knowledge in their daily work. Whether through strengthening institutional effectiveness, mentoring younger colleagues, or contributing to policy development, participants now have new tools and knowledge to create a meaningful impact," she said.
The SMART-C Women Project continues to strengthen women's competencies in the maritime sector through training, education, global networking, and the development of national master plans for women's empowerment in selected pilot countries.
