State-run Korea Ocean Business Corp (KOBC) is to provide KRW 138bn ($121.9m) of guarantees for shipowners to build LNG-powered vessels.

The cash is intended for KLC, SK Shipping, H-Line Shipping and Polaris Shipping.

It will also help them buy other types of vessels, the Yonhap news agency reported.

In addition, KOBC will invest KRW 16bn so that two other companies can build eco-friendly ships and provide KRW 57bn of liquidity through a sale and leaseback programme for seven small owners.