Emergency Repairs and Medical Evacuations: Responding to Critical Situations
Busan Port Authority Operates in Line with Government's Practical Policies
Busanhang Jasungdae Pier will be temporarily used as an 'emergency common berth' for ocean-going container ships.
Busan Port Authority (BPA, President Song Sangkeun) announced on July 2 that, starting from July 1, part of the Jasungdae Pier will be temporarily operated as a common berth for ocean-going container ships, to respond to emergencies such as urgent repairs or the transfer of crew members in medical emergencies.
Jasungdae Pier, which was designated for the second phase of the Bukhang redevelopment project, ceased functioning as a container terminal at the end of last year. Since then, the available land space has been temporarily used as a yard for cargo handling equipment production and as a container storage area for the newly opened port terminal (phases 2-6).
Originally, with the lifting of the security zone, berthing of ocean-going vessels at the pier was to be prohibited. However, due to continued requests from shipping companies and the maritime industry for the use of berthing facilities amid a shortage, the operation of the berth was reconsidered.
BPA found through a survey of shipping companies that about 92% of ocean-going container shipping companies expressed willingness to use the Jasungdae Pier berth. As a result, BPA decided to temporarily operate the berth until the start of the Bukhang redevelopment construction. The annual cost of maintaining the security zone, approximately 1.4 billion KRW, will be borne from the perspective of public interest and practicality. BPA also established usage conditions after renewed consultations with security and CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) agencies.
This berth can be used for up to 48 hours only by ocean-going container ships entering Busanhang that require: ▲ emergency repairs (including minor repairs) during operation, ▲ vessel inspection, ▲ transfer of crew members in medical emergencies, or ▲ government investigations. In urgent situations, a 24-hour extension is possible.
BPA has set relatively strict berthing conditions to minimize the impact on nearby residents and to ensure that only vessels with genuine need can use the facility.
Song Sangkeun, President of BPA, emphasized, "By accepting the requests of shipping companies, Jasungdae Pier will be temporarily operated as a common berth. Through this, we expect to improve convenience for users of Busanhang, alleviate congestion at piers and anchorage areas, and generate various positive effects such as increased sales for port-related industries."
Kim Sehyun, Director of the Busan Office of the Korea Shipowners' Association, and Lee Taesu, Head of the Busan Chapter of the Korea International Shipping Agency Association, stated, "We thank BPA for making a responsible decision as a public enterprise," adding, "This measure will strengthen the competitiveness of Busanhang."
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