Resolving Structural Issues at Busan Port
Execution-Oriented Council Officially Launched
Busan Port Authority (BPA, President Song Sangkeun) held the '2025 1st Busan Port Operational Competitiveness Enhancement Council' on the 3rd floor conference room of the BPA New Port Branch on the 14th.
This council marks the official launch of a public-private cooperation system to enhance Busan Port's global competitiveness and implement the government's global hub port development strategy.
The council was attended by President Song Sangkeun, key executives of Busan Port Authority, and representatives from nine container terminal operators of North Port and New Port. The event served as the official inauguration of the council aimed at improving operational efficiency and establishing future response strategies for Busan Port.
Recently, the global shipping market has been reorganized around punctuality, stability, and sustainability as core values in the post-pandemic era. Global shipping companies are strengthening their port-of-call strategies based on proprietary terminals, and the restructuring of shipping alliances, such as the launch of the Gemini Cooperation by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, is having a significant impact on the composition of Busan Port's operators and service systems.
In addition, the US-China trade conflict and changes in US-centered trade policies are likely to bring complex changes to Busan Port's cargo volume and route composition.
Accordingly, Busan Port is required not only to address short-term issues but also to improve long-standing structural challenges, shift operational paradigms, and prepare proactive strategies.
This meeting will discuss agenda items to resolve Busan Port's structural issues, including measures to improve operational efficiency by overcoming the fragmented terminal structure, securing logistics connectivity by strengthening links between New Port and North Port, and enhancing the competitiveness of aging piers in response to port paradigm changes such as eco-friendly and automated transitions.
In addition, the council plans to further discuss the detailed roles and current issues of the on-site response team, which was launched last week to respond to changes in the global trade environment such as US reciprocal tariffs.
BPA President Song Sangkeun emphasized, "For Busan Port to leap forward as a core hub in the Asian logistics network, cooperation among operators and policy support from the port authority are essential." He added, "I hope this council will become a practical platform where voices from the field are reflected in policy, going beyond simple discussions."
Busan Port Authority plans to hold the council regularly on a quarterly basis and establish a sustainable discussion structure for mutual growth and joint development among operators through working-level councils in each sector.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
