Gwangyang Port Holds Ceremony Celebrating 10 Million Vehicles Milestone

Yeosu Gwangyang Port Corporation Processes 1.11 Million Units in 2023

Achieves 10 Million Units Milestone in 13 Years Since Establishment

Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority (President Park Seong-hyun, YGPA) announced on the 3rd that it held the ‘Gwangyang Port 10 Million Vehicles Milestone Ceremony’.

The event, held at the Gwangyang Port Phase 2-1 automobile pier, was organized to commemorate the efforts of outstanding companies and organizations that contributed to achieving the milestone of handling 10 million vehicles since the establishment of the authority, and to request continued interest and cooperation from internal and external stakeholders.

[Photo by Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority]

Automobiles, along with petrochemicals, steel, and containers, represent key cargo at Yeosu Gwangyang Port. In 2020, the port handled 530,000 vehicles, but by 2023, this volume more than doubled to 1.11 million vehicles, ranking second nationwide and generating an economic effect of 31.2 billion KRW for the local community.

Automobile cargo requires a large area, and since Roll-On Roll-Off Ships (Ro-Ro ships) also require sufficient water depth, Gwangyang Port (with a depth of over 16 meters) is highly preferred.

The ceremony was attended by about 50 people, including cargo owners such as Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Glovis, terminal operators, automobile shipping companies, the Gwangyang Port Dockworkers’ Union, related stevedoring companies, and pilotage and tugboat companies.

Following the opening remarks by the president of the port authority, congratulatory speeches were given by Baek Seong-ho, Vice Chairman of the Gwangyang City Council, Song Sang-rak, Head of the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority, and Woo Gwang-il, Chairman of the Gwangyang Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event included the presentation of flower garlands and plaques of appreciation to those who contributed to the 10 million vehicles milestone at Gwangyang Port, as well as a ceremony marking the handling of the 10 millionth vehicle.

At the event, President Park Seong-hyun stated, “Automobiles, along with petrochemicals, steel, and containers, are pillars supporting Yeosu Gwangyang Port,” and urged, “Let us work together so that the ceremonies for 20 million, 30 million, and 100 million vehicles will become a reality in the near future.”

He also requested active cooperation and interest from related organizations and the local community, including Gwangyang City, the Gwangyang City Council, the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to revitalize Gwangyang Port, the frontline base for automobile exports and imports in South Korea.

Meanwhile, the authority has been promoting “boots-on-the-ground sales” targeting major automobile shipping companies such as Hyundai Glovis and Ukoca Carriers, and is actively supporting stable operations as a frontline base for automobile exports and imports by establishing cooperative systems with automobile pier operators and assisting successful berth relocations.

Additionally, through cooperation with local governments, free economic zone authorities, and related organizations in attracting companies, the authority is making strenuous efforts to establish a secondary battery industry ecosystem and ensure that the Gwangyang Bay Area remains a key hub and frontline base for automobile exports and imports in the era of electrification.