Busan Takes the Lead in the Era of the Arctic Shipping Route

Mayor Park Hyungjun Takes First Steps to Secure Arctic Logistics
at Don Young Alaska and Nome Ports

Busan City is taking swift action to be the first to open the era of the Arctic shipping route.

Busan City (Mayor Park Hyungjun) announced on January 7 that Mayor Park Hyungjun visited Anchorage and Nome, Alaska, USA, from January 5 to 6 local time to conduct on-site inspections in preparation for the era of the Arctic shipping route.

Recently, accelerated melting of sea ice due to global warming and increased uncertainty in existing maritime routes, such as the Red Sea crisis, have made the Arctic shipping route-which connects Asia and Europe by the shortest distance-a major issue in the global logistics industry. In addition, as the U.S. government pursues the construction of deep-sea ports in the Arctic to develop Arctic resources and strengthen security, the strategic value of Alaska is also rising.

Park Hyungjun, Mayor of Busan, is talking with Kenny Hughes, Mayor of Nome.

On January 5, Mayor Park visited the Don Young Alaska Port (formerly Anchorage Port) to examine the port's operations and logistics infrastructure. This port handles about 90% of Alaska's total cargo volume and serves as a key hub. The city plans to use this visit as an opportunity to explore potential logistics cooperation related to the Arctic shipping route in connection with Busan Port.

On January 6, Mayor Park visited Nome, a city near the Bering Strait. Nome is located at the gateway to the Arctic Ocean and is considered a major stopover if the Arctic shipping route becomes active. Mayor Park met with Kenny Hughes, Mayor of Nome, and members of the Port Commission to tour the site of the Arctic deep-sea port construction project and exchanged views focused on port development and operational experience.

Busan City is considering the possibility of future cooperation between Busan and Nome in the supply of ship stores and ship repair and management services for vessels operating on the Arctic shipping route. The Nome city officials also mentioned the potential for expanded exchanges with Asia as the Arctic shipping route grows, expressing openness to cooperation across economic, cultural, academic, and fisheries sectors.

Mayor Park Hyungjun stated, "The Arctic shipping route is an alternative route that can reduce the transportation distance between Busan and Europe by more than 30% compared to the existing southern route," adding, "Through this visit, we will review the foundation for cooperation with Alaska and proactively respond to changes in the Arctic shipping route." He also said, "We plan to expand the role of Busan Port by working with domestic and international shipping and logistics companies."

Don Young Alaska Port.

Nom Port.