The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has selected Busan to house an IHO infrastructure center for managing international standards for digital marine information. Shown is a scene from the organization's general assembly that ran from April 19-23 in Monaco. (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)

By Lee Dasom

Busan is raising its image as a leading city in international digital marine information.

The Busan Metropolitan Government on April 24 said the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) selected the city to house an infrastructure center at the IHO general assembly from April 19-23 in Monaco.

Launched in Monaco in 1921, the intergovernmental organization has 103 member countries, with Korea joining in 1957. This is the first time for the IHO to open an office in another country.

The IHO is working on developing a new international standard for digital marine information (S-100) in cooperation with the International Maritime Organization and others to adapt to the changing maritime environment such as the development of autonomous ships.

The Busan center will be responsible for backing the development and global distribution of S-100. It will oversee the entire process ranging from the development of marine information standards and services to operation, management, training in utilization and support for the approval of electronic chart navigation equipment.

Scheduled for completion in July, the center will be housed within the Busan International Financial Center in the city's Nam-gu District.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will also provide annual operating support of KRW 2.5 billion.

dlektha0319@korea.kr