Korean shipbuilder Dae Sun is eyeing a move into passengerships to ride out the shipping slump.
The country's government wants to replace 63 ageing coastal ferries, according to the Asiasis website.
This gives Dae Sun an opportunity to compete for orders.
The vessels will be built by 2020, with an emphasis on safety following the tragic sinking of the Sewol.
Dae Sun has restructured since 2011 and has won tanker orders.
