Tongyeong City Resolves Conflict Over Management and Operation of New Passenger Ferry Terminals on Three Islands in Hansan-myeon

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Masan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office

Gyeongnam Tongyeong City signed a memorandum of understanding with the Masan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office regarding the management and operation of newly constructed passenger ship terminals on three islands in Hansan-myeon.
[Image source=Tongyeong City]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] The passenger ferry terminals at Jejseungdang, Bijin Outer Port, and Somaemuldo in Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongnam, are expected to resume normal operations from June, alleviating inconveniences for ferry passengers.

According to the city on the 1st, a field adjustment meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, attended by Mayor Kang Seok-ju and others, where a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Masan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office (hereafter Fisheries Office) and Tongyeong City.

The MOU states that the Fisheries Office will delegate management duties to Tongyeong City by June, coordinate maintenance and repairs with the city, carry out administrative procedures such as insurance enrollment, and conduct safety inspection services for the Somaemuldo ferry terminal.

The city will take over terminal management duties by June to operate the ferry terminals normally, and the cost of sheltering at the Somaemuldo terminal's floating pier will be shared equally between the Fisheries Office and the city for two years, considering the COVID-19 situation.

Currently, Hansando Jejseungdang, Bijindo, and Somaemuldo see about 550,000 passengers annually using ferry services, but they have experienced inconvenience due to the lack of passenger convenience facilities that protect against sunlight, rain, and wind.

The ferry terminals on the three islands were completed in January last year by the Fisheries Office at a cost of 2.2 billion KRW, but operational issues have persisted due to problems with facility operation personnel, budget, and maintenance.

In response, local residents demanded normal operations in November last year, and after several consultations with related agencies, field investigations, and interviews, a normalization plan was prepared. The city plans to manage and operate the terminals proactively to prevent any inconvenience.

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