Incheon-Baengnyeongdo Large Passenger Ship Service Set to Resume in 2026... Negotiations Underway with Preferred Shipping Company

A large passenger ship is being introduced to Baengnyeongdo, the northernmost island in the West Sea, with the goal of starting operations in the second half of 2026.

According to Incheon City on the 23rd, Ongjin County and the private shipping company selected as the preferred negotiator are currently discussing matters related to the operation of a large passenger ship to Baengnyeongdo. If both parties agree on the final contract terms, the contract will be signed by July, and preparations will proceed aiming for passenger ship operations in the second half of 2026.

Earlier last month, Ongjin County held a public contest to select a business operator to support the introduction of a large passenger ship on the Incheon-Baengnyeong route. A total of two shipping companies applied, and one of them was selected as the preferred negotiator.

Harmony Flower, which operated the Incheon-Baengnyeongdo route, suspended service in November 2022 [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Korea Pride (1600t) and Korea Princess (534t), currently operating on the Incheon-Baengnyeongdo route, are small in size and cannot carry vehicles, causing significant inconvenience to about 5,000 residents of Baengnyeongdo, Daecheongdo, and Socheongdo.

The car ferry (a ship that transports passengers and vehicles simultaneously) Harmony Flower (2071t), which previously operated on this route, ceased operations in November 2022 due to the vessel age limit (25 years).

The city and Ongjin County expanded support conditions for the introduction of a large passenger ship, lowering the threshold so that not only newly built ships but also used ships under 17 years old and chartered vessels can apply.

An official from Incheon City stated, "We will continuously monitor the final negotiation process between Ongjin County and the shipping company and provide maximum support for operational preparations, including promptly revising the ordinance supporting passenger ships operating on the five West Sea islands."