Pohang-si Yeongilman Port, Regular International Ferry Route Connecting Russia and Japan Departs

Lee Gang-deok (left), Mayor of Pohang, and Lee Jong-yeol, captain of the East Dream, posing for a commemorative photo.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] An international car ferry regularly connecting Russia's Vladivostok and Japan's Maizuru, with Pohang Yeongilman Port as its home port, commenced service on the 11th.

According to Pohang City on the 13th, since tourists are currently unable to board due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ferry departed Yeongilman Port carrying cargo including about 20 pieces of heavy equipment and around 60 used cars.

The newly launched regular route operates from Yeongilman Port as the home port, with Pohang serviced twice a week, and Russia and Japan serviced once a week each. Starting from the 19th, the ferry will depart from Pohang to Vladivostok, Russia every Saturday, and from Pohang to Maizuru, Japan every Wednesday.

The 'Eastern Dream' ferry assigned to this regular route measures 140 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and has a capacity of 11,500 tons. It can carry 480 passengers, 130 TEU containers, 250 cars, and 50 pieces of heavy equipment. It operates at an average speed of 20 knots (37 km/h), and is operated by Doowon Shipping, a specialized shipping company established in 2006.

Visiting the Yeongilman Port container pier to mark the ferry's inaugural departure, Mayor Lee Kang-deok said, "The departure of the international ferry with Pohang as its home port reaffirms Pohang as a genuine hub city of the East Sea region," and expressed expectations that it will strengthen the logistics system of Yeongilman Port in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.