President Moon Jae-in has pledged active state assistance for local shipbuilders so the country can once again emerge as an undisputed and sustainable global leader in the sector. 

Moon made the remark on Thursday at the Geoje Shipyard of Samsung Heavy Industries in South Gyeongsang Province, where he was briefed on the pan-government strategy and vision to further strengthen the nation's competitive edge in shipbuilding. 

Pointing to the largest orders won by South Korean shipbuilders in 13 years during the January to July period, the president said the nation has reclaimed its status as the world best, adding it is time to make the local shipbuilding industry even stronger. 

He said a growing industrial focus on environment and smart technologies is a boon for Korea given its prowess in the respective areas and that the government will seize this opportunity sent from the heavens. 

Moon said South Korea is clear in its goal to widen its lead in the global shipbuilding market and contribute to the world's push to become carbon neutral.