Focused on Developing Smart Port Infrastructure Phase 1-2 at Incheon New Port
Preparing for Full Resumption of International Ferry Passenger Service
Incheon Port Authority (IPA) has expressed its ambition to break major records again this year, aiming to achieve a container throughput of 3.5 million TEU.
According to IPA on the 11th, despite a challenging business environment last year due to the global economic slowdown and uncertainties in the global supply chain, Incheon Port achieved a record-high container throughput of 3.46 million TEU (provisional figure).
With the addition of routes to the Middle East and Bangladesh, the number of container routes reached 70. As of November last year, cumulative records were broken in all categories including ▲used car exports at 459,000 units ▲e-commerce handling volume at 18,071 tons ▲seafood exports at 17,330 tons.
Additionally, to ensure smooth transportation and improve convenience for cruise and international ferry passengers, which resumed in March and August respectively, efforts were made to normalize terminal operations by activating commercial facilities and securing safety facilities.
Furthermore, IPA solidified its status as a gateway port for the metropolitan area by achieving results in major projects such as attracting e-commerce companies to the Aam Logistics Complex 2, signing contracts for smart logistics center projects, concluding exclusive use contracts for Smart Auto Valley, selling the long-awaited Golden Harbor site, and receiving the 2023 Korea Win-Win Growth Award.
This year, IPA plans to focus on continuously generating specialized cargo throughput for Incheon Port, establishing a foundation for future growth through new infrastructure, creating a user-centered logistics environment, revitalizing marine tourism and enhancing passenger services, creating citizen-friendly marine cultural spaces, and supporting small and medium export companies.
First, aiming to achieve a container throughput of 3.5 million TEU (1 TEU equals one 20-foot container), IPA plans to attract more than five new regular container routes, strengthen marketing targeting shippers in the metropolitan and central regions, attract strategic cargo such as automobiles and K-food, and promote integrated transportation linking Incheon Airport and Korea-China ferries.
Moreover, IPA will accelerate improvements in the logistics environment, including timely development of the smart fully automated port 'Incheon New Port Ⅰ-2 Phase Container Terminal,' timely establishment of Smart Auto Valley (used car export complex), and enhancement of vessel navigation safety. Efforts will also be intensified for the redevelopment of the inner port, successful investment attraction for Golden Harbor, and preemptive preparation for the full resumption of international ferry passengers. Marketing and terminal facility improvements to increase cruise and international/coastal passengers will also continue.
Lee Kyung-gyu, President of IPA, said, "We will carry out planned projects without delay with the attitude of One Team alongside the Incheon Port industry and strive for mutual growth. We will operate the institution from a future-oriented perspective so that this year can serve as the cornerstone for Incheon Port’s 10-year mid- to long-term development."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
