The transport ministry expressed its resolve to develop an environmentally friendly vessel and deregulate the domestic shipping industry in its annual report on maritime affairs released Monday.

The Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry aims to cut emissions of carbon dioxide by 3.7 million tons through various marine-related programs, including the development of a next-generation domestic vessel dubbed the Super Eco Ship, the report says, without elaborating on the nature of the envisioned ship.

The programs also include promoting a shift toward transporting more freight by sea than on trucks.

As part of efforts to prevent oil spills from tankers, the ministry will create, possibly by the end of 2003, a model inspection program in which the International Maritime Organization will monitor each country's performance in cracking down on ships that do not meet international safety and environmental standards, the report says.

The transport ministry will also work to promote the entry of more firms in the domestic shipping industry, according to the report.

At present, entrant firms are required to submit business plans to the ministry and obtain its approval before starting operations. The ministry plans to streamline this procedure.