Busan Port Authority Shares Digital Transformation Strategy at Global Port Authorities Roundtable

Leading Case of Port Digitalization Unveiled
"Discussing Joint Solutions for Decarbonization and More"

Busan Port Authority (BPA), led by President Song Sanggeun, showcased its leading case of port digitalization in front of the chief executives of 20 major ports around the world.

BPA announced on the 12th that it participated in the 10th Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR), held in Osaka, Japan from July 9 to 11, where it discussed ways to enhance global port cooperation and shared Busan Port’s digital transformation strategy.

PAR (Port Authorities Roundtable) is a global consultative body of port authorities launched by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in 2015. In Korea, BPA is the only participant.

This year’s meeting was held under the theme “Ports Navigating an Era of Uncertainty and Change: The Role of Future Ports,” and was attended by 20 major ports worldwide, including Busan, Singapore, Rotterdam, Los Angeles, and Hamburg.

In the first session of the meeting, “Digital Transformation and Innovation,” President Song Sanggeun took the stage as a presenter to introduce Busan Port’s smart port development strategy. He emphasized, “Busan Port is simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and safety through systematic digital transformation.” He introduced the digital system centered on the “Busan Port Chain Portal,” which was selected as a best practice by the World Bank.

President Song explained the main features of the Chain Portal, including “Port-i,” which enables real-time tracking of transshipment cargo flows; the “Transshipment Transportation System (TSS),” which improves truck transport efficiency; and the “Electronic Delivery Order,” which considers driver safety. Participants showed great interest in the system’s establishment and operation process, actively engaging with questions.

In addition, the meeting featured the sharing of technology-driven innovation cases such as drones, AI, and digital twins. There was also a consensus on the importance of retraining port personnel and strengthening cybersecurity.

BPA also plans to expand international cooperation in the digital port sector by officially participating in the “Port Call Optimization (PCO)” working group, which is led by the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

President Song stressed, “Close cooperation is essential to respond to the complex challenges ports face in this era of upheaval,” and added, “We will contribute to practical international collaboration based on Busan Port’s experience.”

World port officials participating in PAR.

Song Sanggeun, President of BPA, announcing the digital transformation strategy of Busan Port.