Third Award Following Wins in 2019 and 2023
The integrated safety, health, and disaster management strategy spearheaded by Busan Port Authority (BPA), led by President Song Sanggeun, has won multiple awards at the 7th World Ports Sustainability Awards (WPSP).
The authority announced on October 10 that its "Integrated Safety, Health, and Disaster Management Strategy for Busan Port" took first place in the Safety, Health, and Resilience category at the 7th World Ports Sustainability Awards (WPSP), held during the International Association of Ports & Harbors (IAPH) World Ports Conference in Kobe, Japan, from October 7 to 9.
The International Association of Ports & Harbors (IAPH) is the largest global consultative body representing ports worldwide and plays a pivotal role in establishing global port policies and standards. Since 2018, the association has hosted the World Ports Sustainability Awards (WPSP) annually to promote the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the port sector.
This year, winners were selected in six categories: climate and energy, digitalization, environmental protection, infrastructure, community engagement, and safety, health, and security.
Busan Port Authority has strengthened on-site safety capabilities by establishing the nation’s first "Port Safety Experience Center" through labor-management-government cooperation and introducing an AI-based risk detection and response system. The authority also achieved zero accidents during simultaneous LNG and methanol bunkering and cargo handling operations, and has enhanced worker health management by running programs for heatstroke prevention, mental health, and musculoskeletal care.
As a result, as of 2024, Busan Port achieved "zero" serious accidents and an 81% reduction in industrial accidents by reinforcing safety accident prevention systems with small and medium-sized partner companies. The port also achieved "zero" casualties and a 76% reduction in property damage from disasters, marking significant progress.
In a press release for the awards ceremony, the International Association of Ports & Harbors described Busan Port’s initiative as "a strategically robust and well-balanced project where technology and innovation are combined to realize worker safety and well-being."
Recognized for these efforts, Busan Port Authority became the first public institution under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to be designated an "Outstanding Workplace for Worker Health Promotion" by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and has been honored as an exemplary institution for three consecutive years in the "Safe Korea Drill" by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
Song Sanggeun, President of Busan Port Authority, stated, "This award is the result of the government, the authority, and the industry working together to protect on-site safety and worker health. We hope that Busan Port’s experience and best practices will contribute to the safe and resilient development of ports worldwide."
The International Association of Ports & Harbors, established in 1955, is the world’s largest international organization for port administrators and stakeholders, with over 340 member ports and related organizations from more than 90 countries. The association also serves as an official advisory body to five UN specialized agencies and one intergovernmental organization.
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