Song Sanggeun: "Full-Scale International Cooperation for Global Port Management"
Busan Port Authority (BPA) has taken an active role in global port policy discussions, aiming to strengthen its 'international port management.'
BPA announced on May 26 that it had visited major European international organizations and consultative bodies on May 21 and 23, where it discussed cooperation measures in the fields of digital transformation and decarbonization.
First, in Hamburg, Germany, BPA held a meeting with Jens Meier, President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and CEO of Hamburg Port Authority, to discuss cooperation related to port digitalization.
Sanggeun Song, President of BPA (4th from the left), and Jens Meier, President of IAPH and CEO of Hamburg Port Authority (5th from the left), visiting Hamburg Port.
BPA has established its competitiveness in digital transformation, with its self-developed Port Community System (PCS) being selected as a World Bank best practice. The authority has also accumulated practical experience by participating in international consultative bodies such as chainPORT.
During this meeting, key topics included strengthening activities of the Data Collaboration Committee (DCC) within IAPH, port cybersecurity, support for digital transformation in developing countries, and measures to link with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s shipping digital policies.
At the IMO headquarters in London, BPA held discussions with Heike Deggim, Director of the Marine Environment Division, and Jose Matheickal, Director of the Technical Cooperation Division, to exchange views on decarbonization strategies in the shipping and port sectors.
BPA introduced the current status of its bunkering infrastructure based on next-generation fuels such as LNG and methanol, and discussed technical cooperation measures for developing countries. The authority also confirmed the shared understanding that ports must share responsibility for emissions reduction in line with IMO's decision to introduce a carbon tax.
Sanggeun Song, President of BPA, stated, "This cooperation with international organizations has provided an opportunity for Busan Port to play a leading role in shaping global agendas in the shipping and port sectors. We will continue to take the lead in responding to international issues such as digitalization and decarbonization, and strengthen cooperation with the global port community."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
