Hanil Express: If No Intention to Operate... "Must Vacate Berth"

Temporary Suspension Until Late January Next Year... Similar-Sized Fixed-Seat High-Speed Ferries Operating Normally

Wando-Jeju Route Blue Narae, Monopoly Structure Increasing Fatigue Among Wando Residents

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] The Blue Narae ferry operated by Hanil Express, which travels between Wando and Jeju, has suspended operations, raising questions in the local community about whether there is any intention to resume normal service.

The Blue Narae ferry stopped operating from the 17th of last month until the 15th of this month, citing a one-month regular ship inspection.

However, on the 8th, Hanil Express announced on its website that “due to strengthened social distancing measures following the resurgence of COVID-19, and for the health and safety of our customers, the Blue Narae ferry, which is configured with seats, will temporarily suspend operations. We ask for your understanding and cooperation,” announcing a ‘temporary suspension’ from the 17th of last month until the end of January next year.

As a result, the Wando Port labor union, nearby restaurants, and travel agencies that had been waiting for the Blue Narae ferry to complete its inspection and resume operations are now questioning whether Hanil Express truly intends to operate normally or if it might not run the Wando-Jeju route at all.

In particular, the local community is confused because this situation contrasts with Hanil Express’s approach around April, when the spread of COVID-19 began, as highlighted in an article titled “Ferry Travel is the Solution in the Era of Living Quarantine,” where Hanil Express even offered free boarding events for drivers to attract Jeju passengers.

It has been confirmed that the Queen Star 2, a high-speed ferry operated by Sea World Express Ferry and similarly configured with seats like the Blue Narae ferry (running between Haenam Usuyeong ? Chuja ? Jeju), is operating normally, which has further fueled controversy over Hanil Express’s recent decision.

A representative from Sea World Express Ferry stated, “If the social distancing level rises to stage 3, guidelines will be issued, but nothing has been communicated to the shipping company yet,” adding, “Since the Queen Star 2 has fewer passengers, even with seat arrangements, it is acceptable to sit as long as seats do not overlap with others.”

Sea World Express Ferry is a shipping company based in Mokpo that operates the Queen Mary, Queen Zenobia, Sea World Marine, and Queen Star 2 vessels between Jeju and Chuja.

Given these circumstances, public opinion in the local community suggests that Hanil Express’s announcement of a ‘temporary suspension’ before the government’s social distancing was raised to stage 3 reveals their true intentions.

A person familiar with ships at Wando Port, Mr. A, said, “The previous Blue Narae ferry was a large vessel over 3,000 tons, carrying 572 passengers and 50 to 55 vehicles, but the current Blue Narae ferry can only carry about 282 passengers and 30 vehicles,” adding, “The previous Blue Narae ferry operated with some consideration for weather advisories, but the current Blue Narae ferry is shorter and taller, so it almost cannot operate when a weather advisory is issued.”

He continued, “Although the fuel used for the engines is the same as the previous Blue Narae ferry, there is a significant difference in the number of vehicles and passengers,” and added, “Ultimately, since profitability is lower than the previous vessel, Hanil Express will likely try to avoid operating as much as possible.”

Workers related to Wando Port said, “Wando is the shortest route to Jeju, so it is a popular route due to reasons like fuel cost savings,” and voiced complaints that “If Hanil Express’s Blue Narae ferry does not want to operate the Wando-Jeju route, they should free up berths so that other shipping companies can enter.”

A Hanil Express official said, “Due to the government’s social distancing level 2.5, the Blue Narae ferry, which is configured with seats, has inevitably stopped operating until the end of January next year,” and added, “We hope COVID-19 ends soon so that we can operate safely.”

The exclusive dominance of Hanil Express as the sole passenger ferry operator at Wando Port is causing fatigue among workers related to Wando Port, drawing attention to future developments.

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